Semaglutide updates: Higher Wegovy dose in Poland and risks of treatment discontinuation

Novo Nordisk is introducing a higher 7.2 mg dose of Wegovy to the Polish market. This is the highest approved dose of semaglutide for treating obesity in adults, administered via a single-injection weekly pen. The decision to use this higher dose is based on the Phase IIIb STEP UP study, which showed a 18.7% average weight reduction in the 7.2 mg group compared to 15.6% for the 2.4 mg dose. This higher dosage is not registered for adolescents.

Concurrently, new research from the Washington University School of Medicine highlights the risks associated with discontinuing GLP-1 therapies. A three-year study of over 333,000 American veterans found that the cardiovascular benefits of these drugs may diminish after treatment stops. Specifically, two years after discontinuing GLP-1 medication, the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death was 22% higher compared to those who continued treatment. Researchers noted that stopping therapy due to cost, side effects, or availability can lead to a resurgence of inflammation, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels alongside weight regain.