Novo Nordisk wins CHMP backing for Wegovy® 7.2 mg single‑dose pen, advancing EU approval with STEP UP trial data showing up to 25% weight loss.
Written By: Mahathi Palivela, PharmD
Reviewed By: Pharmacally Editorial Team
Novo Nordisk has received a positive opinion from the European Medicines Agency’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) for Wegovy® 7.2 mg in a single‑dose injectable pen for adults with obesity. The recommendation advances the higher‑dose semaglutide formulation toward European Commission approval, anticipated in the third quarter of 2026, enabling a potential EU launch shortly thereafter.
Simplified Dosing
The new device delivers the full 7.2 mg weekly dose in a single injection, replacing the current EU regimen of three 2.4 mg injections. Wegovy® 7.2 mg is already approved in the United States, marketed as Wegovy® HD, and in the United Kingdom. Novo Nordisk CEO Mike Doustdar said the single‑dose pen could improve convenience and adherence for patients seeking sustained weight reduction.
STEP UP Programme Results
The CHMP opinion was supported by Phase 3 STEP UP trials. In the 72‑week STEP UP study (NCT05646706) of approx. 1,400 adults with obesity without diabetes, semaglutide 7.2 mg achieved 20.7% mean weight loss under the efficacy estimand, with one‑third losing ≥25% of body weight. In STEP UP T2D, enrolling ~500 adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes, mean weight loss was 14.1%. Safety remained consistent with the established semaglutide profile.
Expanding GLP‑1 Role
Beyond obesity, Wegovy® carries approvals for cardiovascular risk reduction and metabolic dysfunction‑associated steatohepatitis (MASH) in select regions, underscoring the broadening clinical role of GLP‑1 therapies across cardiometabolic disease.
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About the Writer
Mahathi Palivela (LinkedIn) is pursuing PharmD and has a strong interest in Clinical Pharmacy and Patient safety. She is passionate about handling and analyzing patient data, and translating clinical insights into clear, meaningful summaries. She aims to apply this interest in Medical Writing and Pharmacovigilance, focusing on improving patient outcomes through careful data interpretation and communication
