A medicine with the same active ingredient as Ozempic has already been approved by Anvisa for the treatment of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents over 12 years of age and in adults
New data from studies with the obesity drugs Wegovywhich acts on the basis of semaglutide (presented in 2.4 mg) – the same active ingredient as Ozempic, used to treat diabetes -, has shown that the risk of death of obese patients undergoing treatment with the drug is 18% less compared to those who do not undergo treatment. The risk of heart attacksthe leading cause of death in the world, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), decreases by approximately 28% with use.
The results were announced on Saturday 11th by the Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk at a congress of the American Heart Association (North American Heart Association) and published on New England Journal of Medicine.
In an interview with Financial TimesNovo Nordisk’s executive vice president for development, Martin Holst Lange, said it had demonstrated that the drug was “incredibly powerful” in combating cardiovascular risk, confirming the positive expectations from experts.
In August, research had already indicated a 20% reduction in the risk of cardiac events. Now, the drug company’s expectation is that the new data will convince more health systems and insurers to pay for the treatment, given the improvement in patients’ quality of life and reduced long-term costs. Wegovy treatment has a list price in the United States of more than $1,300 per month, which is considered high.
In Brazil, the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) approved the drug to treat overweight and obesity in adults and, in September, released the drug for children and adolescents ages 12 and older. The drug is expected to be made available to Brazilian patients in 2024. Meanwhile, the Ozempicowhich is approved in the country for diabetes, was prescribed off label for obesity.
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The maximum price of Wegovy in Brazil, according to the Medicines Market Regulatory Chamber (CMED), will be R$ 2,484, in the highest doses, depending on the tax on circulation of goods and services (ICMS) of each state. In Sao Paulo, for example, this version can cost up to R$ 2,383.43.
Medicine works based on active ingredient semaglutide (presented in 2.4 mg), which acts as if it were GLP-1, a hormone that signals the brain to feeling of satiety. The purchase depends on the medical prescription and the subcutaneous application occurs once a week. The results also depend on the patient’s commitment to adhering to other behaviors, such as reducing calorie consumption and practicing physical exercise.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
