Wegovy to be Introduced in Brazil's Public Healthcare, Amid Increasing Global Use and Potential Risks
In a significant move to combat obesity, Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk has planned to introduce Wegovy (injectable semaglutide), a weight loss drug, into Brazil's public healthcare network. While the treatment shows promising results, including potential weight maintenance with fewer injections, there are new concerns about possible side effects, such as an increased risk of fragility fractures.
Background
Novo Nordisk announced on Wednesday that it will launch a program to provide Wegovy at three centers of Brazil's public healthcare network, SUS, in collaboration with the Danish government1. This global initiative, extending to Denmark and the Pacific islands, includes a multidisciplinary care protocol for at least two years1.
Wegovy is a part of the GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) class of medications, which have revolutionized the treatment for type 2 diabetes and obesity2. GLP-1 drugs, also known as weight loss pens, are increasingly being used worldwide, with about three million Canadian adults currently taking such medications3.
Key Developments
Recent studies show that patients can maintain their weight with fewer injections of GLP-1 drugs4. In the United States, some patients decreased the frequency of injections after reaching their desired weight, opting for a dose every 15 days instead of weekly5.
Novo Nordisk also plans to sell its weight loss drugs on the platform of the American company Hims & Hers Health, ending a public dispute turned legal battle between the two companies6.
In Hong Kong, the Department of Health is exploring the inclusion of novel weight-loss injections in the drug formulary as part of its first action plan on weight management7.
Potential Risks and Surprising Findings
Despite the promising results, new studies suggest an increased risk of fragility fractures, osteoporosis, and gout among older adults taking GLP-1 medications2. Dr. Michal Kasher Meron, an endocrinologist at Meir Medical Center in Israel, noted that the 11% higher risk of fragility fractures among older adults starting GLP-1s carries significance for a high-risk population2.
Moreover, a study aimed to determine the heterogeneity of the effectiveness of these injections according to various parameters, including sex, age, race, ethnicity, and initial body mass index. A significant difference was observed in favor of women in the category by sex8.
Conclusion
The global use of GLP-1 drugs is on the rise, with countries like Brazil and Hong Kong introducing these weight loss treatments in their public health programs. However, amidst the hopeful results, the potential risks associated with these drugs warrant further research and careful monitoring.