Health Canada approves Novo Nordisk’s obesity drug to reduce risk of non-fatal heart attack
Health Canada has given the green light to Novo Nordisk’s weight-loss medication Wegovy for reducing the risk of non-fatal heart attacks, the pharmaceutical company announced. This approval marks a significant milestone as Wegovy is the first treatment approved by Health Canada for chronic weight management and reducing the risk of non-fatal myocardial infarction.
According to Health Canada’s approval notice, Wegovy is indicated for adults with established cardiovascular disease and a body mass index (BMI) equal to or greater than 27 kilograms per meter squared. This approval comes as a welcome development in Canada, where heart disease ranks as the second leading cause of death after cancer and a major cause of hospitalizations.
In Europe, the European Union health regulator has recently endorsed Wegovy for reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events and strokes in overweight or obese adults without diabetes. The drug has also received approval in the United Kingdom and the United States for lowering the risk of serious heart problems or strokes in overweight and obese adults.
Wegovy, also known by its chemical name semaglutide, has been available in Canada since 2021 for the treatment of obesity. Its approval for reducing the risk of non-fatal heart attacks adds another dimension to its therapeutic potential for individuals at risk of cardiovascular events.
For individuals struggling with obesity and related cardiovascular risks, Wegovy offers a new treatment option that may help improve their overall health outcomes. With Health Canada’s approval, patients and healthcare providers can now consider Wegovy as part of a comprehensive approach to managing weight and reducing the risk of heart disease.
In conclusion, the approval of Wegovy by Health Canada underscores the importance of addressing obesity and its associated health risks, including heart disease. By expanding the treatment options available for individuals with obesity and cardiovascular conditions, Wegovy represents a step forward in promoting better health outcomes for patients in need.
