NICE recommends Novo Nordisk treatment for adults with obesity

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended a new treatment option developed by Novo Nordisk for adults with obesity and non-diabetic hyperglycaemia.

NICE recommends Saxenda (Liraglutide) alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

The pre-filled injection pens will be available to adults with a body mass index (BMI) of at least 35 kg/m2 and a high risk of cardiovascular disease resulting from high blood pressure or cholesterol levels.

A specialist multidisciplinary tier 3 weight management service will prescribe Saxenda in secondary care.

Those referred to a tier 3 service will first receive weight management interventions in a local, intensive lifestyle-change programme such as the NHS diabetes prevention programme.

To receive the treatment, all recommended eligibility criteria must be met.

With the treatment duration being two years, the therapy should be discontinued if at least 5% reduction in body weight is not achieved after 12 weeks on the full dose.

NICE Centre for Health Technology Evaluation deputy chief executive and director Meindert Boysen said: “Our independent committee was presented with clinical evidence which showed that people lose more weight with liraglutide plus lifestyle measures than with lifestyle measures alone.

“Liraglutide may also delay the development of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease and this is the main benefit of treatment.”

Earlier, NICE was unable to recommend this treatment as the cost-effectiveness estimate was higher when compared to other NHS resources.

But lately, Novo Nordisk agreed on a confidential discount with NHS England and NHS Improvement that allows for its recommendation.