Triple-Dose Wegovy Promises Significant Weight Loss Ahead of Approval

A groundbreaking trial suggests that a triple-strength version of the weight-loss medication Wegovy could be available in the United Kingdom as soon as next year, potentially enhancing its efficacy in helping users manage their weight. Conducted over a period of 18 months, the trial indicated that individuals receiving weekly injections of 7.2 milligrams of Wegovy, also known as semaglutide, achieved an average weight loss of 19 percent without unexpected side effects.

The study, led by Dr. Sean Wharton at the University of Toronto, revealed that while the higher dosage did not introduce new side effects, it did increase the incidence of known effects such as nausea and diarrhoea. The researchers concluded that the results “support a favourable benefit–risk profile,” indicating that the higher dose could be a viable option for individuals struggling with obesity.

Approval from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is necessary before the triple-dose can be made available to the public. Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Wegovy, has announced plans to apply for this approval shortly. Given that the medication is already approved at a lower dose, a decision is anticipated within a year.

Comparative Effectiveness with Rival Medications

Currently, the maximum prescribed dose of Wegovy is 2.4 milligrams, which leads to a weight loss of approximately 15 percent after one year. However, this weight loss typically plateaus with continued use. If approved, the triple-dose version could position Wegovy as a stronger competitor against newer medications like Mounjaro (tirzepatide), which has been shown to facilitate about 20 percent weight loss at its maximum dosage.

Wegovy functions by mimicking a gut hormone that signals fullness after eating, while Mounjaro targets two such hormones, suggesting a potentially more effective approach to weight management. As of now, approximately 1.5 million people in the UK are using weight-loss medications, primarily sourced from online pharmacies, due to limited access through the NHS, which has typically restricted prescriptions to hospital obesity clinics.

The NHS is planning a gradual rollout of these medications through general practitioners, prioritizing individuals whose health is most at risk due to obesity.

Market Dynamics and Future Implications

Recent trends indicate that a significant number of online pharmacy customers have shifted from Mounjaro to Wegovy, especially following a sharp price increase for Mounjaro, which rose from £122 to £330 per month. In contrast, Wegovy remains available at around £100 monthly, although the price of the anticipated triple-dose version is expected to be higher.

The trial also noted that participants on the triple dose experienced a higher rate of a side effect known as dysaesthesia, which causes a tingling sensation in the skin. This affected 23 percent of users, compared to just 6 percent on the standard maximum dose; however, the symptoms were generally mild.

According to Dr. Laurence Dobbie, a general practitioner and obesity researcher at King’s College London, “For people that don’t respond as much to the 2.4 milligrams, it could be an option. Some people may need a higher dose.”

The development of a high-dose version of Wegovy highlights the competitive nature of the weight-loss medication market, with several new treatments expected to launch in the coming years. Dr. Simon Cork, a physiologist at Anglia Ruskin University, suggested that the trial may be motivated by a desire to maintain market share as new competitors emerge.

Looking ahead, mass availability of Wegovy may change significantly once it becomes available in generic form, expected around 2031. At that point, the cost could potentially decrease from about £100 to just £10 per month, making it accessible to a broader segment of the population. The findings from this recent trial were published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, contributing valuable insights into the evolving landscape of weight-loss treatments.