Novo's Wegovy cleared by UK drug price watchdog for heart disease, expanding access by 1.2 million people
The new recommendation will significantly expand access to Wegovy on England's NHS.
TL;DR
- Novo Nordisk's Wegovy has received a recommendation from England's drug price watchdog, NICE, for preventing heart attacks and strokes.
- This marks the first GLP-1 drug to be backed for cardiovascular risk reduction in the UK.
- The recommendation could expand access to Wegovy on the NHS to approximately 1.2 million people.
- Wegovy, containing semaglutide, is approved for adults with a previous heart attack, stroke, or serious circulation problem and a BMI of at least 27.
- Clinical trials demonstrated a 20% reduction in major cardiovascular events for patients taking Wegovy alongside existing cardiovascular medicines.
- This decision expands Wegovy's use beyond its primary indication for weight loss and weight management.