Wegovy: A Promising Weight Loss Drug with Heart Health Benefits
Novo Nordisk shares rose 3% as the company presented data showing that the heart protective benefits of its obesity drug, Wegovy, are not solely due to weight loss. The data, presented at a medical meeting, demonstrated that Wegovy reduced the incidence of heart attack, stroke, or death from heart disease by 20%. The early cardiovascular benefit was seen as a positive surprise and could differentiate Wegovy from competing drugs. However, analysts noted that the high cost of the medicine may hinder reimbursement without U.S. Congress approval. Wegovy is part of a class of drugs that mimic a gut hormone to regulate blood sugar and appetite.