Novo Nordisk's Wegovy Maintains Weight Loss Over Four Years
Novo Nordisk's obesity drug Wegovy has demonstrated sustained weight loss benefits, with patients maintaining an average weight loss of 10% over a four-year period. This outcome was presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Venice, Italy, and stems from a large-scale trial involving 17,604 overweight and obese patients with preexisting heart conditions but not diabetes. The trial, which also highlighted Wegovy's cardiovascular protective effects, could strengthen the drug's position in discussions with insurers and health authorities regarding its long-term efficacy and potential reimbursement.
The results from the trial, which did not require participants to track diet and exercise, indicate that patients can maintain their weight loss when staying on the medication. The findings may influence health authorities' attitudes toward the long-term use of obesity drugs and their willingness to cover costs, potentially improving access for individuals with obesity-related health risks. Despite supply constraints and competitive pressures, demand for Wegovy has been on the rise.
In Denmark, however, the healthcare authority has shown a preference for less expensive medications for type 2 diabetes patients, which affects the prescription of higher-cost GLP-1 drugs like Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic. This decision may impact the market dynamics for Novo Nordisk's portfolio, particularly as the company navigates the balance between demonstrating the clinical value of its treatments and addressing cost considerations.
