NOVO Nordisk's Wegovy (semaglutide) solution of injection has been approved for inclusion on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) for chronic weight management, by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
The medication contains the same active ingredient as type 2 diabetes treatment, Ozempic (semaglutide), which is currently in short supply, but had different approved indications.
"Ozempic and Wegovy are not interchangeable," the TGA said.
"Due to the ongoing limited availability of Ozempic, prescribers should consider alternatives before initiating Ozempic as achieving the desired health outcomes may be tied to patients' ability to secure supply in a timely manner.
"[And] health professionals should continue to prioritise supply of Ozempic for people with type 2 diabetes, where other diabetes medications are not suitable, to enable continuity of care."
Despite the approval decision, the TGA noted that Novo Nordisk is not currently supplying Wegovy in Australia.
Current shortages of Ozempic are expected to continue until the end of Dec, as a result of extensive off-label prescribing for obesity management.
To alleviate shortages, the TGA has approved a number of overseas registered products under Section 19A of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989.
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