Canada has taken significant steps forward in improving health outcomes for those living with obesity and cardiovascular disease. On November 27, 2024, Novo Nordisk's weight-loss drug Wegovy® received approval from Health Canada to be prescribed for reducing the risk of non-fatal myocardial infarction, commonly known as heart attacks, especially among adults with established cardiovascular conditions.
This marks Wegovy as the first treatment authorized by Health Canada to tackle both obesity and the potential heart-related health risks associated with it. Prior to this approval, Wegovy has been recognized for its weight management capabilities since 2021, but its new designation offers broader therapeutic benefits and acknowledges the serious link between obesity and heart disease.
With approximately one-third of Canadian adults classified as having obesity, the approval is particularly timely. The increasing prevalence of obesity raises the risk of chronic illnesses, particularly heart disease, which is the second leading cause of death within the country. Heart attacks have significant impacts not only on individuals’ health but also on families and healthcare systems at large.
Health Canada's endorsement of Wegovy is based on findings from the SELECT trial, which demonstrated the drug's efficacy not just for weight management, but also for reducing the incidence of major cardiovascular events among adults who are overweight or have obesity and already suffer from cardiovascular disease.
The SELECT trial was comprehensive, involving more than 17,600 participants across 41 countries. It was structured as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study aimed at confirming the drug's ability to significantly lower the risk of major adverse cardiovascular outcomes (MACE), including cardiovascular death, non-fatal heart attacks, and strokes.
Dr. Subodh Verma, the national lead investigator of the SELECT trial and esteemed cardiac surgeon at the University of Toronto, commented on the significance of this advancement. He stated, "The introduction of semaglutide 2.4 mg as the only therapy proven to reduce non-fatal myocardial infarctions is nothing short of remarkable. This breakthrough not only provides new hope for patients but also signifies a shift toward recognizing obesity as a serious medical condition deserving of targeted treatment. It opens doors for more effective management strategies to prevent first or recurrent heart attacks."
Dr. Sanjeev Sockalingam, Scientific Director of Obesity Canada, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for comprehensive treatment approaches for those grappling with obesity. He remarked, “Canadians living with obesity are at increased risk of heart attacks. We welcome expanded treatment options to support Canadians living with obesity and related complications. People deserve evidence-based care to proactively manage this disease.”
Beyond immediate health benefits, Wegovy’s approval is also linked to broader healthcare policy discussions, particularly concerning insurance coverage. Dr. Jacob Udell, a cardiologist at Women’s College Hospital, stressed the importance of ensuring such medications are fully covered by both public and private health insurance plans to make them accessible to the Canadians who need them most.
Indeed, Wegovy is not just about weight loss; it is becoming part of the solution to combat the complicated intersections of obesity, heart disease, and overall public health. The drug promotes weight reduction by mimicking GLP-1, a hormone involved in appetite regulation, leading to reduced food intake and improved metabolic markers.
Notably, the EU has also recognized Wegovy for its potential to mitigate serious cardiovascular incidents. It has been previously approved for similar uses in the UK and the US, affirming its growing acceptance as a treatment option globally.
While the benefits of Wegovy are substantial, some caution exists around medication management. The efficacy of such treatments usually requires clinical oversight to monitor side effects and assure the appropriate dosage is maintained, ensuring patient safety and therapeutic effectiveness.
Statistically, Canadians living with obesity are more than twice as likely to develop heart disease compared to their peers of healthy weight. The recent approval of Wegovy by Health Canada is anticipated to provide new avenues for treating obesity-related health risks.
Health authorities and healthcare providers are hopeful about the transition to using Wegovy as both treatment and preventative measure against heart attacks, underscoring the importance of combating obesity not merely as a lifestyle issue but as one of significant public health concern. The introduction of Wegovy carries with it the potential to save lives, reduce healthcare costs associated with treating cardiovascular disease, and improve the quality of life for many Canadians.
