The FDA recently approved the use of Wegovy, a semaglutide-containing medication, to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack, and stroke in adults with heart disease who are obese or overweight. Semaglutide was initially approved by the FDA in 2017 to treat type 2 diabetes in adults. The drug works as a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist and has gained popularity as a weight loss treatment in recent years. Studies have shown a potential link between semaglutide and improved cardiovascular health, leading to its new indication for reducing cardiovascular risks.
The FDA’s approval of Wegovy for cardiovascular risk reduction was based on the results of the SELECT cardiovascular outcomes clinical trial. The study found that semaglutide significantly reduced the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in adults who are overweight or obese and have established cardiovascular disease. These findings suggest that weight loss through medications like Wegovy can help lower cardiovascular risks. While the exact mechanisms behind this effect require further research, experts agree that the new approval for semaglutide is a step in the right direction to combat cardiovascular disease, which remains a leading cause of death globally.
Semaglutide works by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone in the body, which helps regulate insulin production and reduce blood sugar levels. This hormone also plays a role in appetite regulation, making drugs like Wegovy effective in weight management. Currently, Wegovy is the only semaglutide medication approved by the FDA for both weight loss and cardiovascular risk reduction. Other medications containing semaglutide, such as Ozempic and Rybelsus, are only approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes but are sometimes used off-label for weight loss. Researchers are exploring the potential uses of semaglutide in treating conditions beyond diabetes and obesity, including kidney disease.
Experts predict that as research on semaglutide continues, we may see more applications for the drug in various health conditions. Hormones like GLP-1 can have wide-ranging effects on the body, impacting factors such as inflammation, blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol. This versatility opens up the possibility of using semaglutide to address other diseases and conditions in the future. The medical community views the FDA’s approval of Wegovy as a significant milestone in expanding the use of GLP-1 drugs to treat chronic diseases beyond diabetes and obesity, potentially revolutionizing treatment options for a range of health issues.
