Wegovy becomes Canada's first dual therapy for weight and heart attack risk management
Novo Nordisk has announced that Wegovy (semaglutide injection) has been approved by Health Canada to reduce the risk of non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) in adults with established cardiovascular disease and a body mass index (BMI) of 27 kg/m² or higher.
This marks the first treatment approved in Canada for both chronic weight management and reducing non-fatal MI risk.
Obesity rates in Canada have significantly increased over the past two decades, posing serious health risks, including heart disease.
According to the 2022 Canadian Community Health Survey, nearly one in three Canadian adults are living with obesity. Research indicates that individuals with obesity are over twice as likely to develop heart disease compared to those with a healthy weight.
Myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, is the most prevalent form of ischemic heart disease.
In Canada, heart disease is the second leading cause of death and a major reason for hospitalizations.
Approximately 90 percent of Canadians have at least one risk factor for heart disease, stroke, or vascular cognitive impairment, such as age, sex, diabetes, family history, and specific ethnic backgrounds. The incidence of acute myocardial infarction, particularly in men, continues to rise across the country.
Health Canada’s approval of Wegovy for reducing non-fatal MI risk is supported by the results of the Semaglutide Effects on Cardiovascular Outcomes in People with Overweight or Obesity (SELECT) trial.
The treatment is now available to support Canadians at heightened risk due to obesity and cardiovascular conditions.
Subodh Verma, a cardiac surgeon, and national lead investigator for the SELECT trial in Canada, emphasised the persistent risk of myocardial infarctions among individuals living with overweight or obesity.
He highlighted that the introduction of semaglutide 2.4 mg represents a breakthrough, being the only therapy proven to reduce non-fatal MIs in individuals with obesity who do not have diabetes.
Verma described this as a pivotal moment in treating obesity, shifting its status from a risk factor to a critical therapeutic target.
Sanjeev Sockalingam, scientific director of Obesity Canada, welcomed the expanded treatment options, stating that Canadians living with obesity deserve evidence-based care, including medical nutrition therapy, psychological interventions, physical activity, pharmacotherapy, and surgery.
Novo Nordisk Canada Inc. President Vince Lamanna noted that the approval of Wegovy offers new hope for Canadians dealing with cardiovascular disease and obesity, acknowledging the profound impact of heart attacks on families across the country.
He expressed the company’s commitment to addressing unmet medical needs with innovative treatment options.
