Scott Gottlieb, the former FDA Commissioner, recently stated that Wegovy, a weight loss medication, represents a significant advancement in public health. He noted that it has already assisted 17,604 patients in achieving medical weight loss.
"The big competition in the GLP-1 space is the battle for best label," said Scott Gotlieb. "For a time, Wegovy is going to have the better label, even if Zepbound may be a better drug."
According to Fierce Pharma, Wegovy has provided aid to thousands of adults seeking weight loss solutions, particularly those with cardiovascular diseases. The use of this treatment has been shown to reduce major cardiovascular complications by 20%. The benefits of Wegovy have been demonstrated over a period of up to five years, regardless of individual factors such as Body Mass Index (BMI) or the degree of renal function impairment.
Fierce Pharma also highlighted the success of Wegovy and its potential threat to other competitors in the market, specifically Zepbound. Despite the competition, Wegovy maintains a strong position. The drug's positive impact on heart health has made it popular among consumers. In 2023 alone, the company generated $4.6 billion in revenue while sales surged by 147% overall. This remarkable growth is attributed to the booming demand that began in 2021. Due to this high demand, production of Wegovy was temporarily halted before being relaunched in January. A similar release strategy is planned for Europe in 2024.
Wegovy also issued a warning about potential serious side effects from taking the drug. These may include thyroid tumors or even cancer. Other side effects can involve kidney problems, increased heart rate and elevated blood sugar levels. Despite these risks, the drug is available over-the-counter and is deemed safe for individuals aged 12 and above. However, it should not be taken alongside semaglutide-containing products as it already contains semaglutide itself. Primarily, Wegovy proves effective in assisting individuals with obesity who may have certain medical conditions.
