03:01 PM EDT, 04/24/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Novo Nordisk's ( NVO ) Wegovy could be available to more than 3 million people with Medicare after the drug gained approval from the US Food and Drug Administration for heart health, KKF said in a report Wednesday.

"The FDA's decision opens the door to Medicare coverage of Wegovy," KKF said. The FDA recently approved a new use for Wegovy to reduce the risk of heart attacks and stroke in people with cardiovascular disease who are overweight or obese.

After the approval, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued a memo indicating that Medicare Part D plans can add Wegovy to their formularies.

Some Part D plans have already announced that they will begin covering Wegovy this year, although it is not yet clear how widespread coverage will be in 2024, the health policy research organization said.

Novo Nordisk ( NVO ) did not immediately respond to MT Newswires' request for comment.

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