Wegovy Approved for Heart Patients
- In a significant progress, Wegovy, a drug already approved in August 2024 for chronic weight management in individuals assessed as obese or overweight and also for treating type...
- The Therapeutic Goods Management (TGA) has approved Wegovy for use in treating heart conditions, potentially making as many as 3.5 million Australians eligible for the medication.
- Wegovy has not been added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
Wegovy Approved for Heart Conditions in Australia, but PBS listing Still Elusive
Table of Contents
- Wegovy Approved for Heart Conditions in Australia, but PBS listing Still Elusive
- Wegovy in Australia: Your Questions answered
- Key Takeaways:
- Q&A on Wegovy in Australia
- Is Wegovy approved for heart conditions in Australia?
- How many Australians are eligible for Wegovy for heart disease?
- why is Wegovy so expensive in Australia?
- Is Wegovy on the PBS in Australia?
- What is the PBS and why does it matter for Wegovy?
- Is Novo Nordisk trying to get wegovy on the PBS?
- What is the PBAC’s stance on Wegovy and similar medications?
- What are the potential cardiovascular benefits of Wegovy?
- What clinical trials support Wegovy’s approval for heart conditions?
- What’s the link between cardiovascular disease and obesity in Australia?
- Besides Wegovy, what other weight-loss drugs are available in Australia?
- What’s the deal with Ozempic supply issues in Australia?
- Wegovy,Ozempic and Mounjaro: Rapid Comparison
In a significant progress, Wegovy, a drug already approved in August 2024 for chronic weight management in individuals assessed as obese or overweight and also for treating type 2 diabetes, has now received approval for treating heart conditions in Australia.
Expanded Eligibility, Persistent Affordability Concerns
The Therapeutic Goods Management (TGA) has approved Wegovy for use in treating heart conditions, potentially making as many as 3.5 million Australians eligible for the medication. However, access to this potentially life-saving drug remains a significant hurdle for many.
Wegovy has not been added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Without this crucial taxpayer subsidization, the cost of Wegovy remains “extremely expensive.”
Manufacturer Seeks PBS Listing for Wegovy
Novo Nordisk, the Danish pharmaceutical company that manufactures Wegovy, is reportedly planning to resubmit its submission to the TGA. The company stated that “it is very crucial to enable access to all the eligible patients … who require the product.”
According to Novo Nordisk, as reported in the Australian Financial Review, 4.5 million australians suffer from cardiovascular disease,and a staggering 78% of these individuals are classified as obese or overweight.
The Cost Barrier to Accessing Wegovy
Despite the expanded eligibility, the high cost of Wegovy, ranging from $345 to $645 per month, will likely prevent many from accessing the medication.
Ozempic Supply Issues and Calls for PBS Listing of Obesity Drugs
Currently, only Ozempic, another drug manufactured by Novo Nordisk, is listed on the PBS for treating people with diabetes. The TGA anticipates that Ozempic will be in short supply in Australia until the end of 2025.
Eli Lilly, the American company that produces Mounjaro, a rival weight-loss drug, has also advocated for the PBS listing of obesity drugs.
Wegovy’s potential Cardiovascular Benefits
The TGA has indicated that Wegovy can be used as a complementary therapy to reduce major cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and strokes. The drug is also reported to have a positive impact on inflammation,blood lipids,and blood pressure,all of which are crucial factors in preventing heart attacks and strokes.
Clinical Trial Success
Wegovy’s approval as a prescription for cardiovascular disease followed findings from the Select trial, of 17,604 participants across 41 countries including Australia.
the PBAC Decision
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) has rejected semaglutide listing for severe obesity, deciding it would not be cost-effective for taxpayers.
Wegovy in Australia: Your Questions answered
Wegovy, a medication initially approved for weight management and type 2 diabetes, has recently been approved in Australia for reducing teh risk of cardiovascular events. Here’s a thorough guide to understanding Wegovy’s availability, cost, and benefits in the Australian context.
Key Takeaways:
Wegovy is now TGA approved for reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events (like heart attack and stroke) in overweight and obese individuals.
Wegovy is not currently subsidised by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), making it expensive.
The manufacturer,Novo Nordisk,is seeking PBS listing.
Ozempic, also by Novo Nordisk and containing the same active ingredient (semaglutide), is experiencing supply issues anticipated to last until the end of 2025.
Q&A on Wegovy in Australia
Is Wegovy approved for heart conditions in Australia?
Yes, the Therapeutic Goods Management (TGA) has approved Wegovy for use in treating heart conditions in overweight or obese individuals to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes. This approval expands Wegovy’s use beyond its initial indication for chronic weight management and type 2 diabetes.
How many Australians are eligible for Wegovy for heart disease?
With the TGA’s approval for heart conditions, possibly 3.5 million Australians are now eligible for Wegovy.These are individuals who are overweight or obese and may benefit from the drug’s cardiovascular benefits.
why is Wegovy so expensive in Australia?
The primary reason for Wegovy’s high cost is that it is indeed not currently listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits scheme (PBS). The PBS is a government program that subsidizes the cost of many prescription medications, making them more affordable for Australians. Without this subsidy, the cost of Wegovy can range from $345 to $645 per month.
Is Wegovy on the PBS in Australia?
No, Wegovy is currently not on the PBS. This means that patients have to pay the full price for the medication, making it inaccessible for many.
What is the PBS and why does it matter for Wegovy?
The pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) is an Australian government program that subsidizes the cost of a wide range of prescription medicines, making them more affordable. Listing on the PBS would considerably reduce the out-of-pocket cost for patients requiring Wegovy.
Is Novo Nordisk trying to get wegovy on the PBS?
Yes, Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Wegovy, is actively seeking to have the drug listed on the PBS. They are reportedly planning to resubmit their application. They believe PBS listing is crucial to ensure accessibility for eligible patients who need the medication.
What is the PBAC’s stance on Wegovy and similar medications?
The Pharmaceutical benefits advisory Committee (PBAC) has rejected semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic) listing for severe obesity, deeming it not cost-effective for taxpayers. This decision highlights the challenges in obtaining PBS subsidies for weight-loss drugs.
What are the potential cardiovascular benefits of Wegovy?
The TGA has approved Wegovy as a complementary therapy to reduce major cardiovascular events. It has demonstrated a positive impact on:
Inflammation
Blood lipids
Blood pressure
These factors are crucial in preventing heart attacks and strokes.
What clinical trials support Wegovy’s approval for heart conditions?
Wegovy’s approval was based on the SELECT trial, which involved 17,604 participants across 41 countries, including Australia. This large-scale trial demonstrated the drug’s effectiveness in reducing cardiovascular events.
What’s the link between cardiovascular disease and obesity in Australia?
According to novo Nordisk, approximately 4.5 million Australians suffer from cardiovascular disease. A important 78% of these individuals are classified as obese or overweight, highlighting the strong correlation between weight and heart health.
Besides Wegovy, what other weight-loss drugs are available in Australia?
Besides Wegovy (semaglutide), other weight management medications available in Australia include:
Ozempic (semaglutide): Currently listed on the PBS for type 2 diabetes, but sometimes used off-label for weight loss. However, it has supply limitations.
* Mounjaro (tirzepatide): Manufactured by Eli Lilly, is another weight loss drug. Eli Lilly has also advocated for PBS listing of obesity drugs.
What’s the deal with Ozempic supply issues in Australia?
The TGA anticipates that Ozempic, another drug manufactured by Novo Nordisk, will be in short supply in Australia until the end of 2025. This shortage may impact individuals using Ozempic for diabetes or off-label for weight management.
Wegovy,Ozempic and Mounjaro: Rapid Comparison
| feature | Wegovy (semaglutide) | Ozempic (Semaglutide) | Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) |
| —————- | ——————————————————- | ———————————- | —————————————- |
| Active Ingredient| Semaglutide | Semaglutide | Tirzepatide |
| Indication | Chronic weight management,reducing CVD risk in eligible individuals | Type 2 diabetes | Type 2 diabetes,(off-label weight loss) |
| PBS Listing | no | Yes (for Type 2 diabetes) | No |
| Manufacturer | Novo Nordisk | Novo Nordisk | Eli Lilly |
| Supply Issues | Generally available,but access is limited by cost. | Short supply expected until 2025 | Limited by cost. |