The UK’s National Health Service will begin offering Wegovy injections free of charge to more than one million people in England, in a move aimed at reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes among high-risk patients.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has recommended the weekly injections as an additional treatment for patients with heart disease or serious circulation problems, provided they are overweight or obese and under medical supervision alongside standard treatments such as statins.
Details
Clinical trials involving tens of thousands of patients showed that using the drug alongside existing heart treatments reduced the risk of heart attacks and strokes by 20%.
NICE noted that benefits appeared early, even before significant weight loss, suggesting the drug has a direct effect on the heart and blood vessels, not just through reducing weight.
The drug, scientifically known as semaglutide, works by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone responsible for feelings of fullness, helping to suppress appetite and slow digestion. It is administered using a self-injection pen that patients can use at home.
The program targets patients with a Body Mass Index of 27 or higher, alongside recommendations for lifestyle changes including healthy eating and regular physical activity. Treatment is currently limited to two years under specialist services, while long-term effects are still under study.
An agreement between the NHS and Novo Nordisk aims to ensure cost-effectiveness, as experts call for faster access to the treatment while warning of potential impacts on muscle mass that require exercise to counter.
What’s next?
Attention turns to the rollout this summer, its potential expansion to broader groups, and the long-term impact on patients and the healthcare system.
