GLP-1 for coronary heart illness
In March 2024, the FDA authorized the GLP-1 drug Wegovy (semaglutide) to deal with coronary heart illness in people who find themselves obese or overweight. That is the primary approval of a GLP-1 drug for circumstances apart from diabetes or weight reduction.
Isaacs stated the approval got here after contributors in a number of GLP-1 trials skilled vital reductions in main coronary heart circumstances equivalent to coronary heart assaults and strokes, in addition to fewer cardiovascular deaths.
This could be anticipated provided that weight problems and extra weight are danger elements for coronary heart assault and stroke. Nonetheless, Isaacs factors out that different medication (Trulicity, Victoza, Saxenda) and life-style interventions which have constructive results on blood sugar ranges and weight haven’t proven such spectacular outcomes. “This exhibits that there are mechanisms that go far past simply weight reduction and reducing blood sugar ranges,” she says.
Weight reduction within the SELECT trial was not notably massive. On common, every participant misplaced about 8 to 9 % of their physique weight. “This leaves open the query whether or not there are different main results which can be but to be understood,” Ard says.
Isaacs stated the SELECT trial was the primary massive randomized research to point out that medication used for weight problems could cut back heart problems. “This has the potential to alter the paradigm of interested by obese and weight problems as cardiovascular danger elements relatively than simply beauty issues, and we hope to broaden insurance coverage protection and entry to those weight reduction medication,” she says.
