Wegovy’s Cardiovascular Benefits May Improve, But Not Transform, Insurance Coverage In Obesity

Novo Nordisk’s obesity drug lowered adverse cardiovascular events by an impressive 20% in a pivotal study. However, payers may still want data on how paying for obesity drugs could lower their overall medical expenses.

Significant Weight Loss In Subjects Who Were Not Diabetics • Source: Shutterstock

Top line results from Novo Nordisk A/S’s groundbreaking Phase III clinical trial on its Wegovy linking treatment to a significant cardiovascular benefit in obese subjects may tip the balance toward better coverage among US commercial payers already leaning that way. But it probably won’t lead to a wholesale embrace of obesity drugs yet.

Novo’s large SELECT trial showed use of Wegovy (semaglutide) led to a 20% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events for...

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