In a significant development for Qatar's fight against obesity, Ebn Sina Medical, a subsidiary of Aamal Company QPSC, has partnered with Danish healthcare giant Novo Nordisk to introduce Wegovy (Semaglutide 2.4mg) to the Qatari market. The weight management medication is the first and only once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for chronic weight management in both adults and adolescents aged 12 years and above.
The launch event was attended by prominent figures including the Ambassador of Denmark to the UAE and Qatar, H.E. Anders Bjørn Hansen; Aamal Company CEO Rashid Al Mansoori; Novo Nordisk Qatar General Manager Manvendra Singh; and Commercial Director Dr. Nayla Mansour representing Ebn Sina Medical's General Manager, Essam Faragalla.
Qatar's Obesity Crisis
Qatar faces a severe obesity epidemic, with approximately 41% of adults classified as obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²). The prevalence is notably higher among women at 46%. Furthermore, nearly 76% of Qatar's population is categorized as overweight, placing the country among the top 10 nations with the highest obesity rates globally.
This widespread obesity has significant implications for public health, serving as a primary driver for related chronic conditions including pre-diabetes, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. According to Prof. Usama ALAlami, Head of Medical at Novo Nordisk Qatar, "Obesity is the leading cause for many complications and it's the main driver of the diabetes epidemic in Qatar, accounting for 57.5% of diabetes cases."
How Wegovy Works
Wegovy's active ingredient, Semaglutide 2.4mg, functions by mimicking a natural hormone that reduces hunger and increases feelings of fullness. The medication is prescribed as an adjunct to reduced calorie intake and increased physical activity for weight management in adults with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) or overweight individuals (BMI ≥ 27 kg/m²) with at least one weight-related comorbidity.
Clinical research has demonstrated impressive results for Wegovy when combined with diet and exercise:
- 17% mean weight loss sustained over two years
- Approximately one-third of patients achieved at least 20% body weight reduction
- Significant improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors including waist circumference, blood pressure, lipid profile, glycemic parameters, and C-reactive protein
Perhaps most promising is the medication's potential preventative effect. Clinical trials showed that 80% of pre-diabetic patients regressed to normoglycemia, suggesting that Semaglutide 2.4mg could help prevent Type 2 diabetes in high-risk individuals with obesity or overweight.
Accessibility and Pricing
While Wegovy is now available in Qatar, access varies by patient category. Qatari nationals can receive coverage through Hamad Medical Corporation. For non-Qatari residents and those seeking the medication through private hospitals and clinics, the monthly cost ranges from QR796 to QR1,909, depending on the prescribed dosage.
Strategic Alignment with Qatar's Health Vision
The introduction of Wegovy aligns with Qatar's National Health Strategy and Vision 2030, which prioritize addressing chronic diseases and improving public health outcomes.
Rashid bin Ali Al Mansoori, CEO of Aamal Company, emphasized this alignment: "This achievement reflects Aamal Company's commitment to bringing the latest innovation to the market whether through our diverse business or in collaboration with global leaders such as Novo Nordisk."
Manvendra Singh, General Manager of Novo Nordisk Qatar, highlighted the significance of the partnership: "At Novo Nordisk, we are proud to bring over 100 years of global leadership in chronic disease management and 25 years of dedicated obesity research to Qatar. The availability of Wegovy marks a significant step in addressing obesity as a serious, chronic disease."
A Collaborative Approach to Public Health
The partnership between Ebn Sina Medical and Novo Nordisk represents a collaborative approach to addressing Qatar's obesity epidemic. Dr. Nayla Mansour from Ebn Sina Medical emphasized the importance of equitable access to effective treatment options, noting that obesity impacts not only individuals but also families and the broader healthcare system.
Ambassador Anders Bjørn Hansen praised the collaboration, highlighting Denmark's commitment to public health through a culture of trust and focus on prevention. He noted Novo Nordisk's pivotal role in developing innovative medicines for chronic diseases within the life sciences ecosystem.
As Qatar continues to grapple with high rates of obesity and related conditions, this partnership between a local healthcare distributor and a global pharmaceutical leader marks a significant step toward providing effective treatment options for weight management in the country.
