US Medicare has announced that it will cover Novo Nordisk’s (NVO) weight loss drug Wegoby for patients with cardiovascular disease.

The announcement comes after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved a weight loss drug used to reduce heart risks. The FDA’s decision was based on a clinical trial last year that found Wegovy reduced the risk of heart disease in obese patients by 20 percent.

Previously, federal law excluded anti-obesity drugs from Medicare prescription drug plans (also known as Part D) offered by private insurers. The high cost of the drug was another reason why insurance companies were reluctant to cover it.

However, recent announcements have increased insurance coverage for Wegovy, a drug that mimics a naturally occurring hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which slows stomach emptying and signals satiety to the brain. expanded.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) noted that the weight-loss drug is only covered if prescribed to reduce the risk of heart disease.

“CMS provides the following guidance for Medicare Part D plans for anti-obesity drugs: FDA approval For additional medically recognized indications, it can be considered a Part D drug for that specific use,” a CMS spokesperson commented.

“CMS is committed to ensuring people have access to treatments and treatment options that improve their symptoms. health “Results,” the authorities stressed.

Novo Nordisk responded positively to the announcement, saying it was “encouraged by recent guidance from CMS,” but added that there was “more work to do” as Wigovy, a weight loss drug, is not yet covered by insurance. added. .

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