Last Monday (2), the approval by the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) of the first weekly injection for treatment against obesity was published.
The drug Wegovy can be marketed under medical prescription and its registration was published in the Official Gazette of the Union, in a resolution signed by the general manager of Biological Products, Radiopharmaceuticals, Blood, Tissues, Cells, Organs and Advanced Therapy Products.
As described by Anvisa, the active ingredient of the drug is semaglutide, and it is an injectable solution, which must be administered once a week. The indication is that the use of Wegovy occurs along with a low-calorie diet and with the practice of physical exercises.
The medication can be purchased for weight control, including loss and maintenance in the case of obese or overweight adults, provided that they have at least one comorbidity related to body mass, such as dysglycemia, hypertension or cardiovascular disease.
Weight reduction should occur through the effect of the drug, which should decrease energy intake by increasing satiety and reducing the feeling of hunger. The weekly application is due to the development of the injection with a low elimination rate.
The president of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabology (SBEM), Paulo Miranda, points out that pharmacological therapy should be based on changes in lifestyle and endocrinological medical follow-up and multidisciplinary team.
“The objective is that the entire process of treatment and control of the patients’ comorbidities is met, generating gains in health and preservation, with a global improvement in the general condition of the patient and not just as a numerical vision of weight loss or even aesthetics”, alert.
Currently, it is estimated that approximately 100 million people are overweight and 41 million live with obesity in the country.
Still according to Anvisa, semaglutide has already been approved for sale in the United States, European Union, Japan, Canada, Brazil and in other countries under the trade names Ozempic (subcutaneous route) and Rybelsus (oral route). The first approval was for Ozempic, which is indicated to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
The price of the injection will still be defined by the Medicines Market Regulation Chamber (CMED).
It is produced by pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk and, according to Anvisa, factors such as the distribution logistics of the manufacturer and resellers should influence the deadline for it to be made available to consumers.
(With information from Lucas Rocha, from CNN)
Source: CNN Brasil
I am an experienced journalist and writer with a career in the news industry. My focus is on covering Top News stories for World Stock Market, where I provide comprehensive analysis and commentary on markets around the world. I have expertise in writing both long-form articles and shorter pieces that deliver timely, relevant updates to readers.
