UAE approves Wegovy pill for weight loss, heart health

The UAE has become the second country in the world to approve the use of Wegovy (semaglutide), an oral once-daily pill, to treat weight loss in adults with obesity and reduce the risks of heart conditions in high-risk patients.

Developed by Novo Nordisk, the treatment belongs to the GLP-1 receptor agonist class and works alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. 

Making the announcement on Monday, the Emirates Drug Establishment said the move cements the UAE’s efforts to promote awareness around the importance of early obesity management and reducing associated health complications.

The cost of the pill was not unveiled. 

The regulatory approval was based on the results of clinical studies demonstrating the treatment’s effectiveness in supporting weight reduction and its role in reducing the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events among high-risk patients.