A collection of injector pens showcasing the Wegovy weight loss drug is featured in this photo illustration taken in Chicago, Illinois, on March 31, 2023.
Image: Jim Vondruska | Reuters
According to a late-stage clinical trial released on Friday, Wegovy, the popular weight loss drug from Novo Nordisk significantly reduced symptoms of a common type of heart failure in patients with obesity.
Wegovy proved effective in alleviating symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, leg swelling, and irregular heartbeat. Additionally, it resulted in lower blood pressure and reductions in inflammation, both of which are crucial indicators of heart health.
These results not only expand the potential health benefits of Wegovy beyond weight loss but also pave the way for increased usage of the drug and enhanced insurance coverage.
Moreover, these findings complement the groundbreaking trial data released earlier this month by Novo Nordisk, which demonstrated a 20% reduction in the risk of serious heart-related problems with Wegovy.
“We eagerly anticipate close collaboration with the clinical community and regulators to fully realize the potential of these heart health benefits in the coming months,” stated Martin Lange, the head of development at Novo Nordisk, in a press release.
The recently conducted study focused on 529 obese patients suffering from a heart condition known as preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). This condition accounts for approximately half of all heart failure cases and occurs when the heart’s lower chamber pumps insufficient blood.
In the United States, around 2.5 million individuals have this condition, with more than 80% of those patients also being obese.
The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, indicated that Wegovy led to an almost 17-point improvement on a 100-point scale used for assessing HFpEF symptoms. In comparison, patients who received a placebo experienced a nine-point improvement.
Furthermore, Wegovy demonstrated improvements in physical limitations, as patients who took the drug were able to walk longer distances in six minutes compared to those in the placebo group.
During the year-long trial, individuals on Wegovy lost approximately 13% of their body weight, while those on the placebo lost only 2.6%.
Fewer serious safety events were observed in patients using Wegovy compared to those on the placebo. However, some patients discontinued Wegovy due to gastrointestinal issues, which are commonly associated with other weight loss drugs.
It is worth noting that the trial lacked diversity, with 96% of the participants being white.
Wegovy and Novo Nordisk’s diabetes drug Ozempic sparked significant interest in the weight loss industry last year due to their effectiveness. Both medications fall into a category known as GLP-1 agonists, which replicate a hormone produced in the gut to curb appetite.
However, Novo Nordisk is currently grappling with supply constraints, resulting in shortages of both drugs.
Furthermore, recent reports have raised concerns about the unintended and potentially life-threatening side effects of Wegovy and other weight loss drugs. Some patients have experienced suicidal and self-harm thoughts after taking these medications.
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