London: The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved the well-known weight loss drug Wegovy for use in treating heart disease as well.
According to media reports, the agency stated that the drug can also reduce the risk of serious heart issues in overweight individuals.
Wegovy contains the chemical semaglutide, which helps reduce weight in people with a body mass index (BMI) of 26 or above.
It is now the first medication originally designed for obesity to also be used for controlling heart attacks and strokes.
A trial involving 17,600 participants showed a 20% reduction in cardiovascular diseases with weekly semaglutide injections over five years.
The study, sponsored by the pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, was published in the “New England Journal of Medicine”.
Deputy Director Shirley Hooper of the regulatory agency stated that this treatment represents a significant step in preventing heart disease and stroke while also addressing the severe consequences of obesity.