Weight-loss medication Wegovy to be prescribed by NHS amid limited availability
In the UK, the NHS (National Health Service) in England is gearing up to administer the weight-loss drug Wegovy, also known by its scientific name semaglutide, under a “controlled and limited launch.” This initiative, starting from September 4, 2023, will operate via specialist NHS weight management services, where the drug will be prescribed in conjunction with a regimen involving a reduced-calorie diet and physical exercise. The patients targeted in this program must have a Body Mass Index (BMI) exceeding 30 and at least one weight-related health issue to qualify.
The drug, produced by Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, received approval for NHS usage earlier in 2023, a sanction granted by the National Institute for Care and Excellence (NICE), which has recommended its usage be capped at a two-year period.
Addressing the prospects of this new treatment, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak heralded the introduction of Wegovy as a potential “game-changer” in the battle against obesity, a condition known to predispose individuals to serious health complications such as hypertension, diabetes, and various forms of cancer. The prime minister expressed optimism that this strategy would alleviate the strain on NHS resources, contribute to the reduction of waiting lists, and foster improved health and longevity among the populace.
Echoing these sentiments, Novo Nordisk anticipates that the drug will enhance the range of options available for individuals grappling with obesity, thus facilitating their journey towards achieving healthier body weights.
Earlier in June, the government had set aside £40 million for a pilot project intended to widen the accessibility of weight-loss injections as part of a robust strategy to curb obesity.
However, the initiative encountered a significant hurdle as Novo Nordisk reported an impending shortage in the supply of semaglutide, a situation anticipated to persist for an unspecified period. Despite this, the company reassured that a “proportion of available supply” would be designated for NHS services, with a firm commitment to prioritising patients demonstrating the “highest unmet medical need.”
An official communication from the NHS noted that in line with the guidance from NICE, measures are underway to inaugurate weight management undertakings, while also making efforts to restore the drug supply, particularly for individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
According to NHS projections, approximately 50,000 qualified patients in England stand to benefit from Wegovy, provided through NHS specialist weight management facilities capable of offering the necessary multi-disciplinary care.
Backing the efficacy of Wegovy, Novo Nordisk presented findings from a comprehensive five-year research project titled the Select trial. The study, which incorporated 17,604 adults aged 45 and above from 41 different countries, revealed that the drug could diminish the likelihood of heart attacks or strokes in individuals with obesity harbouring cardiovascular diseases by a considerable twenty percent. Participants in this trial were characterised by a BMI exceeding 27, established cardiovascular ailments, and devoid of any diabetes history.
