MHRA approves triple-strength semaglutide dose for weight loss
A higher-strength semaglutide (Wegovy) dose has been approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for adults who require a higher percentage of weight loss.
The new 7.2mg semaglutide injection is expected to come to market in 2026 and drug manufacturer Novo Nordisk has said it is working with the NHS and private providers to establish access for patient across the UK.
Currently, the 7.2mg dose is not available as a single injection, instead requiring three separate 2.4mg jabs. The new triple-strength jab could be used for people living with obesity who do not reach their therapeutic goals after being on the 2.4mg dose for at least four weeks.
The decision is based on the STEP UP clinical trial, which found that a once-weekly dose of Wegovy delivered an average weight loss of up to 20.7%, with approximately one third of adult participants achieving a weight loss of 25% or more after 72 weeks.
The proportion of people who stopped taking the trial product due to side effects was comparable between the two active groups (semaglutide 2.4mg and 7.2mg groups).
The 72-week trial was a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluating the efficacy and safety of semaglutide 7.2mg compared to semaglutide 2.4mg and placebo. There were 1,407 adults with a BMI over 30 without diabetes who participated.
General manager at Novo Nordisk UK, Sebnem Avsar Tuna, said: ‘This approval represents another important step in Novo Nordisk supporting people living with obesity to achieve meaningful and significant weight loss.
‘The addition of a new dose of semaglutide provides healthcare professionals with greater flexibility to tailor treatment for people living with obesity, supporting evidence-based approaches to improve health outcomes.’
Novo Nordisk said Wegovy should be used in addition to a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity for weight management in adults with a BMI over 30 or adults with a BMI over 27 and at least one weight-related comorbidity.
It comes as recent research suggested weight regain after stopping GLP-1 medications is four times faster than after diet and exercise programmes.
An analysis of pooled trial data by a team at Oxford University found an average rate of weight regain is 0.4kg/month after stopping treatment with drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide.
Another recent analysis suggested that one in ten British adults were either taking weight loss drugs or had plans to do so in the near future.
A version of this article was first published by Pulse’s sister title The Pharmacist
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