A large-scale study has revealed that Wegovy, Novo Nordisk’s weight-loss drug, significantly reduces deaths and severe illness from Covid-19. The research, detailed in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, was part of Novo’s extensive Select trial.
Conducted during the pandemic, the study involved over 17,600 participants with obesity—an established risk factor for severe Covid-19—and heart disease. Initial findings indicated that Wegovy users had a 20% lower risk of heart attack or stroke compared to those on a placebo, which has influenced broader insurance coverage for the drug.
Despite concerns about the high costs of weight-loss treatments, Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly & Co, which produces the competing drug Zepbound, are working to demonstrate that their medications offer substantial benefits that warrant insurance coverage.
The exact mechanisms by which Wegovy impacts Covid-19 outcomes remain unclear. However, experts like Barry Popkin, a nutrition professor at the University of North Carolina, suggest the drug’s effects on metabolism and inflammation could play a role.
Donna Ryan, professor emeritus at Pennington Biomedical Research Center, highlighted that Wegovy’s benefits extend beyond weight loss and diabetes management, emphasizing its potential impact on infection response and inflammation.
Eli Lilly is also exploring the anti-inflammatory properties of Zepbound for conditions like psoriasis. The market for inflammation-targeting drugs is substantial, estimated at $100 billion this year.
The link between obesity and severe Covid-19 outcomes was evident early in the pandemic. Studies showed higher hospitalization and mortality rates for individuals with obesity. In the Select study, 2.6% of Wegovy users experienced severe Covid-19 events or death, compared to 3.1% of those on a placebo.
While Wegovy does not prevent Covid-19 infections, its reduction in mortality rates among users is significant. Novo Nordisk continues to analyze data for deeper insights into the drug’s effects.
