Novo Nordisk Launches Wegovy in UAE to Combat Chronic Obesity Rates

Novo Nordisk has officially introduced Wegovy, its high-demand weight-loss medication, to the United Arab Emirates market. The launch marks a critical expansion for the Danish pharmaceutical company as it seeks to capture a larger share of the Middle Eastern healthcare sector, where obesity rates remain significantly above global averages. Prescription Availability and Clinical Use The medication, which utilizes semaglutide to mimic hormones that regulate appetite, is available through healthcare providers for chronic weight management. In the UAE, the treatment is approved for adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or those with a BMI of 27 who also possess at least one weight-related ailment, such as hypertension or type 2 diabetes. Supply Chain and Regional Competition The UAE launch follows a period of constrained global supply for the drug, driven by surges in demand in the United States and Europe. By entering the Emirates, Novo Nordisk directly competes with Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro, which has already established a presence in the local market. Health authorities in the UAE have previously issued advisories reminding consumers that these medications are…