BSW ICB Statement on Wegovy® (semaglutide)

13 March 2023
pharmacists

UPDATE September 2023: View the latest government guidance on accessing Wegovy for weight loss

Information for people with questions about the availability of the new medicine Wegovy® (semaglutide).

In March 2023, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published their technology appraisal for Wegovy® (semaglutide) and its associated criteria for use.

A ‘technology appraisal’ is a recommendation from NICE on the use of new and existing medicines and treatments within the NHS.
 
NHS BSW ICB is aware of this new appraisal, and people living with overweight, and obesity should be assured that work with local specialist colleagues, as well as other local stakeholders, to implement this technology is ongoing. The ICB have 90 days to implement the appraisal from the time that Wegovy® becomes available in England.

At this current time, colleagues are exploring how to maximise the benefits of this new medicine, while continuing to prioritise patients with the greatest clinical need and allowing all people living with obesity to access to the best possible treatment for their clinical circumstances.

People living with overweight, and obesity are kindly asked to remain patient while this process is completed, as further details will be released in due course.

More information

The new technology appraisal relates to the use of Wegovy® (semaglutide) which will be managed via the local specialist weight management services: