Novo Nordisk Unveils New Strength of Wegovy with Significant Weight Loss Results

Novo Nordisk, a leading pharmaceutical company, has announced plans to seek approval from the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for a new 7.2mg dose of its weight-loss drug Wegovy (semaglutide). Wegovy is available currently in the following strengths: 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, 1.7mg, 2.4mg.

Novo Nordisk is adding to its range of Wegovy with Wegovy 7.2mg Flextouch

This follows a successful clinical trial (phase 3b STEP UP trial) with detailed results presented at ADA showing that patients with obesity receiving the higher 7.2mg dose achieved weight loss of 21% and with a third achieving 25% or more. The study also showed a similar safety profile to the existing 2.4mg dose. The trial also reported favourable tolerability and no significant increase in adverse events at the higher dose. The new 7.2mg dose is administered using prefilled Wegovy Flextouch pens, which are single-dose devices designed for weekly subcutaneous injections, ensuring ease of use and accurate dosing.

The announcement from Novo Nordisk coincides with the NHS’s rollout of Mounjaro for eligible patients starting June 23, 2025.

Introduction to Wegovy

Wegovy (semaglutide) is a prescription medication specifically developed to support weight loss and long-term weight management in adults who are obese or overweight and have at least one weight-related health condition.

The active ingredient, semaglutide, works by mimicking a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) which helps regulate appetite and blood sugar levels, making it easier to follow a reduced calorie diet and achieve meaningful weight loss. Wegovy is administered once a week as a subcutaneous injection and is most effective when combined with increased physical activity and healthy lifestyle changes. By helping to reduce hunger and promote feelings of fullness, Wegovy can play a key role in helping patients reach and maintain a healthier weight.

Weight Loss Trial Highlights

The “Step Up” trial, a randomized, double-blind study presented at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) scientific sessions in Chicago, involved 1,407 adults with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or higher, without diabetes. In this trial, the Wegovy dosage was carefully selected and adjusted for each participant to ensure the best dosage for weight loss and safety, following the doctor’s recommendation. Over 72 weeks, participants receiving the 7.2mg weekly injection achieved an average weight reduction of 20.7% of their body weight. Notably, one-third of participants lost at least 25% of their body weight, compared to a 17.5% reduction with the 2.4mg dose and just 2.4% with a placebo. The doctor determines the appropriate Wegovy dose for each patient, and the doctor prescribes the medication based on individual needs. Wegovy is intended as a long term treatment to help patients lose weight and maintain their results.

During the trial, the Wegovy dose was slowly increased under a doctor’s recommendation to minimize side effects and ensure patient safety. When comparing the 7.2mg and 2.4mg doses, the lower dose was less effective, and doctors may prescribe Wegovy at different strengths depending on patient response. It is important to always follow the doctor’s recommendations when adjusting Wegovy’s dosage.

Dosage and Administration

Wegovy’s dosage is carefully structured to maximize effectiveness while minimizing side effects. Treatment typically begins with a starting dose of 0.25 mg once weekly, followed by a gradual dose escalation schedule. Over several weeks, the dose is slowly increased until reaching the maintenance dose, which is usually 2.4 mg or, in some cases, 1.7 mg per week. This stepwise approach helps the body adjust to the medication and reduces the likelihood of gastrointestinal side effects. Wegovy is supplied in prefilled pens, making it easy to inject at home. It’s important to rotate the injection site, choosing between the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm, with each dose to prevent irritation. Patients should always follow their healthcare provider’s dosing schedule and recommendations to ensure the best results from their treatment.

Dosing Schedule and Missed Dose

Wegovy is designed to be taken once a week, ideally on the same day and at the same time each week to maintain consistent levels in the body. If a scheduled dose is missed, patients should refer to their healthcare provider’s instructions:

• If the next scheduled dose is more than 48 hours away, the missed dose should be taken as soon as possible.
• If less than 48 hours remain until the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular dosing schedule resumed.

It’s important not to take extra doses to make up for a missed one. For any questions about missed doses or adjustments to the treatment plan, patients should consult their healthcare provider to ensure safe and effective weight management.

Administration and Injection

Wegovy is administered as a subcutaneous injection, which means it is injected just under the skin. Common injection sites include the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm, and it’s important to rotate these sites with each dose to minimize the risk of irritation or discomfort. Patients should use the Wegovy pen as instructed by their healthcare professional and dispose of used pens safely. While most people tolerate the injections well, some may experience allergic reactions such as hives, swelling, or itching at the injection site. If severe symptoms occur, such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the face or throat, immediate medical attention should be sought. Proper administration and awareness of potential side effects are key to a successful Wegovy treatment experience.

Comparison to Competitors

In a recent head-to-head study, Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro (tirzepatide) reported a 20.2% weight loss after 72 weeks, outperforming Wegovy’s 2.4mg dose, which achieved 13.7%. However, Novo Nordisk’s new 7.2mg formulation appears to close this gap, offering comparable efficacy.

For more Wegovy information, including details about its usage, safety, and administration, explore additional resources or consult your healthcare provider.

Safety and Side Effects

The trial noted a slightly higher discontinuation rate due to gastrointestinal side effects with the 7.2mg dose (3.3%) compared to the 2.4mg dose (2%). Most side effects were mild to moderate, occurring primarily during dose escalation and subsiding over time. The most common adverse events were gastrointestinal in nature, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and these were generally mild to moderate and tended to diminish as treatment continued.

If a patient takes too much Wegovy, they should contact their healthcare provider immediately or call their local emergency number for guidance. In cases of severe symptoms after taking too much Wegovy, it is important to go to the nearest emergency room for prompt medical attention.

Additionally, insurance coverage can significantly affect the cost and accessibility of Wegovy treatment, so patients should check with their provider and explore available options.

Patient Guidance

Patients considering or taking Wegovy should be fully informed about both the benefits and potential risks of this medication. Wegovy carries a boxed warning regarding the risk of thyroid tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma, and should not be used by individuals with a personal or family history of thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2. Common adverse events include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which are usually mild and tend to decrease over time, especially when following the recommended dosing schedule. Patients should promptly report any severe symptoms or unusual side effects to their healthcare provider. Regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor progress, adjust the treatment plan, and help patients achieve their weight loss goals. By adhering to the prescribed dosing and working closely with their healthcare team, patients can maximize the benefits of Wegovy for long-term weight management and improved health.

Industry Perspective

Sebnem Avsar Tuna, General Manager of Novo Nordisk UK, emphasized that the 7.2mg dose delivers “unprecedented weight loss” while maintaining a tolerable safety profile. She highlighted semaglutide’s potential as a transformative treatment for obesity, a chronic condition requiring long-term management.