Novo Nordisk's Wegovy Gains EU Approval for Cardiovascular Use

Novo Nordisk's Wegovy, a leading weight loss medication, has received a positive endorsement from the European Union's medical regulator to broaden its application to include the reduction of serious heart events in overweight and obese adults. This development follows the results of the SELECT trial, which demonstrated that semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, significantly lowers the risk of major cardiovascular events by 20% compared to a placebo. The European Medical Agency's backing marks a pivotal moment for patients dealing with both obesity and cardiovascular disease. The SELECT trial findings also revealed a 15% reduction in cardiovascular deaths and a 19% decrease in overall mortality risk when using Wegovy versus a placebo. Martin Holst Lange, Novo Nordisk's executive vice president, emphasized the importance of this label update, stating it could potentially save lives while aiding in weight management. The company anticipates implementing the updated label within a month, aligning with similar approvals from the UK's medical regulator and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration earlier this year. As competition intensifies in the obesity treatment market, Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche has announced plans to introduce its own weight loss drugs, which are currently in early-stage trials. Roche's CEO, Thomas Schinecker, expressed optimism about their candidates, suggesting they could offer "best in disease potential" and contribute to a comprehensive portfolio aimed at addressing obesity's challenges. This expansion of Wegovy's use underscores the growing recognition of the intersection between obesity and cardiovascular health, paving the way for innovative treatments in this critical area.