Anti-obesity agent Wegovy (semaglutide injection) from Novo Nordisk will be available in the UK from today (September 4), the company has announced, in a “controlled and limited launch”.

The drug will be available via specialist NHS weight management services or privately.

“As we expect supply to be constrained for the foreseeable future, a proportion of available supply will be allocated for use only within the NHS to allow healthcare professionals to implement NICE guidance,” says Novo Nordisk. “We will continue to work with healthcare professionals to help ensure that patients with the highest unmet medical need are prioritised.”

“We are closely monitoring Wegovy demand and are working with regulators and providers to ensure people living with obesity can have access to and remain on treatment,” the company added.

Wegovy is indicated as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for weight management, including weight loss and weight maintenance, in adults with a BMI of:

• ≥30 kg/m² (obesity), or
• ≥27 kg/m² to <30 kg/m² (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbidity.