Global health company Novo Nordisk on Friday launched a new drug based on semaglutide in the country, positioning it to help overweight or obese Filipinos manage their condition and address related comorbidities.
The drug, called Wegovy, contains semaglutide, a molecule that mimics the body’s natural appetite-regulating hormone, GLP-1.
This helps users feel full, which can support weight loss when combined with proper diet and exercise.
The key question is whether it is similar to Ozempic, another semaglutide-based treatment the company first launched in 2017. Novo Nordisk Philippines general manager Wei Sun told BusinessWorld that it is not the same, noting that Wegovy is indicated for weight management, while Ozempic is aimed at type 2 diabetes.
Both also differ in capacity.
“Ozempic has a low dose, suitable for diabetic patients, while Wegovy starts with a low dose but (progresses) to higher doses,” said Ms. Sun in an interview on the sidelines of Wegovy’s press launch.
“The interesting thing about the GLP-1 molecule is that the higher the dose, the greater the weight loss effect,” he added.
Wegovy is intended for adults who are overweight (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) or obese (BMI ≥27 kg/m²) with at least one weight-related comorbidity, such as diabetes.
It is used once a week and should be used under the supervision of a doctor.
Wegovy is approved by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a prescription drug, with available strengths of semaglutide injection of 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, and 2.4 mg posted on its approval portal.
Regarding side effects, Ms. Sun said the most common are gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, from mild to moderate, and may improve over time.
He added that the medicines will be available in major drug stores in Metro Manila, and it is expected to be released in important cities nationwide. Prices can vary from pharmacy to pharmacy, Ms. Sun said. Edg Adrian A. Eva
