NICE has recommended Wegovy (semaglutide) for adults with obesity or overweight who have a history of heart attack, stroke, or serious circulation problems, marking the first time a GLP‑1 drug has been approved for this indication. The recommendation applies to patients with a BMI of 27 kg/m² or higher and established cardiovascular disease, creating a new therapeutic option for a high‑risk population.
The decision is grounded in the SELECT trial, which demonstrated a 20 % reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events compared with placebo. Importantly, the cardiovascular benefit appeared early in the study and was independent of significant weight loss, suggesting a direct effect on the heart and blood vessels. This evidence supports the claim that Wegovy is the first GLP‑1 receptor agonist proven to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death in this patient group.
Under the NHS reimbursement framework, Wegovy will be available in England from the summer of 2026, with a phased rollout planned over the coming months. A cost‑effective deal has been struck between Novo Nordisk and the NHS, although the specific financial terms are not disclosed. The recommendation expands access to an estimated 1.2 million eligible patients, up from the limited out‑of‑pocket availability that existed after the drug’s 2024 regulatory approval for cardiovascular risk reduction.
The expanded indication is expected to broaden Novo Nordisk’s patient base and drive sales growth in the UK, while reinforcing the company’s leadership in obesity and cardiovascular care. It also signals growing acceptance of GLP‑1 therapies for cardiovascular protection, potentially influencing prescribing patterns in other markets and creating a new revenue stream under NHS reimbursement.
"Today's NICE recommendation for Wegovy is an important step forward for people living with established cardiovascular disease and overweight or obesity. It means clinicians in England now have access to a further treatment that NICE has found to be cost effective, the first and only GLP‑1 receptor agonist proven to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke or cardiovascular death in this high‑risk population," said Sebnem Avsar Tuna, General Manager of Novo Nordisk UK. "For more than a million people at high risk of heart attack and stroke, this treatment on the NHS could be life‑changing – offering a powerful new way to protect their hearts and improve their health. We know that people who have already had a heart attack or stroke face a much higher risk of having another. Used alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise, semaglutide could help prevent thousands of future major cardiovascular events and give many people the chance at a longer and healthier life," added Helen Williams, National Clinical Director for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention at NHS England. "The evidence from the clinical trial is compelling. It showed that people taking semaglutide alongside their existing heart medicines were significantly less likely to have another heart attack or stroke. Our role is to help practitioners get the best care to people while ensuring value for the taxpayer, and we are confident this rigorous, transparent recommendation strikes the right balance between clinical effectiveness and the best use of limited NHS resources," said Helen Knight, Director of Medicines Evaluation at NICE.
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