07:30 AM EDT, 03/22/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Novo Nordisk's ( NVO ) weight-loss drug Wegovy would be covered by the US Medicare system as long as it is prescribed to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes, according to media reports citing the agency.

The Food and Drug Administration approved Wegovy earlier this month for lowering the risk of strokes and heart attacks in overweight adults who do not have diabetes.

Medicare prescription drug plans administered by private insurers do not currently cover obesity drugs but such drugs could be paid for if they receive US approval for a secondary use that Medicare does cover, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said in a statement reported by Reuters.

The Centers for Medicaid and Medicaid Services and Novo Nordisk ( NVO ) did not immediately reply to MT Newswires' requests for comment.

Price: 129.49, Change: +0.59, Percent Change: +0.46