Wegovy

What is Wegovy (semaglutide) for?

Wegovy (semaglutide) is a medicine prescribed for chronic weight management. It’s intended for use in:

• Adult patients with BMI >30 kg/m2 (obese);
• Adult patients with BMI > 27 kg/m2 (overweight) and at least one weight-related comorbid condition, such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or dyslipidemia;
• Pediatric patients (12+) with BMI at the 95th percentile or greater for age and sex (obese) ^[1].

Wegovy (semaglutide) is available as an injection, in pre-filled single-dose pens that deliver doses of 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, or 2.4 mg ^[1].

How does Wegovy (semaglutide) work?

Wegovy’s active substance, semaglutide, is a GLP-1 receptor antagonist. It mimics the activity of GLP-1, a natural hormone in the body. Semaglutide appears to regulate appetite by increasing feelings of fullness. It reduces hunger and cravings, and, consequently, food intake ^[3].

Where has Wegovy (semaglutide) been approved?

Wegovy (semaglutide) is approved in the USA, EU, UK, Japan, and Canada ^[2,3,4,5,6].

References:

1. HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION, Accessdata.fda.gov, . Accessed 20 November 2023.
2. FDA Approves New Drug Treatment for Chronic Weight Management, First Since 2014. FDA, 4 June 2021, Accessed 20 November 2023.
3. Wegovy | European Medicines Agency, European Medicines Agency, Accessed 20 November 2023.
4. New Drugs Approved in FY 2022. PMDA, 27 March 2023, Accessed 20 November 2023.
5. Drug product database, Health Canada, Accessed 20 November 2023.
6. Accessing Wegovy for weight loss: Everything you need to know – Department of Health and Social Care Media Centre. Department of Health and Social Care Media Centre, 4 September 2023.