SEMAGLUTIDE (Wegovy) will be available on the NHS within months for 1.2 million people with cardiovascular disease, according to NHS England reports from April 1st, 2026.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence approved the GLP-1 receptor agonist for patients at risk of heart attack and strokes, expanding beyond current Type 2 diabetes applications.
NICE guidance recommends the drug for patients with previous heart attacks, strokes, peripheral arterial disease, or BMI of 27 kg/m² and above. The injection adds protection alongside statins and lifestyle interventions.
Clinical data from the SELECT trial showed semaglutide reduced major cardiovascular events by 20% when combined with existing heart medications. NICE concluded the treatment offers "good value" for the NHS.
Heart and circulatory disease cause 100,000 annual heart attack hospitalizations and 100,000 strokes in England. The NHS secured a cost-effective deal enabling broad rollout across the health service.