The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) has approved Wegovy (semaglutide), an oral once-daily treatment for long-term weight management in adults living with obesity or overweight with weight-related medical conditions, marking a significant regulatory development in the UAE’s healthcare sector.
Developed by Novo Nordisk, Wegovy belongs to the GLP-1 receptor agonist class and is indicated to support sustained weight reduction and long-term weight maintenance when used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. The treatment is intended to improve health outcomes among eligible patients managing obesity and associated conditions.
Clinical studies have also shown that semaglutide may reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in high-risk patients, including cardiovascular death, heart attacks and strokes.
With this approval, the UAE becomes the second country globally to authorize the oral formulation of Wegovy, underscoring its regulatory approach toward early access to advanced therapeutic innovations.
The approval was based on clinical evidence demonstrating the treatment’s effectiveness in supporting weight reduction and long-term weight maintenance when combined with a healthy lifestyle, as well as its role in reducing the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events among at-risk populations.
The regulator said the decision aligns with ongoing national efforts to raise awareness about early obesity management and reduce related health complications.
Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi Director-General Emirates Drug Establishment
“Approving the oral formulation of Wegovy (semaglutide) reaffirms the establishment’s commitment to promoting the pharmaceutical ecosystem and reinforcing a proactive approach to addressing obesity and overweight challenges, which are among the leading factors associated with chronic diseases, while also supporting the evaluation and approval of innovative therapies in line with internationally recognized scientific standards. This move reflects the UAE’s keenness to adopt the latest pharmaceutical innovations and develop a flexible regulatory environment that ensures patient access to these treatments in accordance with the highest standards, further strengthening treatment outcomes and the overall quality of care.”
Venkat Kalyan, General Manager, Novo Nordisk Gulf, stated the semaglutide has a well-established safety profile and is widely trusted within the medical community, while its once-daily oral formulation offers greater convenience and supports patient adherence to treatment.
