Novo Nordisk (NYSE: NVO) announced the nationwide availability of Wegovy HD, a 7.2 mg semaglutide injection for weight management. The pharmaceutical company stated this represents the highest dose of Wegovy available to date.

The new formulation is indicated for American adults with obesity seeking weight loss when combined with diet and exercise. Novo Nordisk cited data from the STEP UP trial showing 21% weight loss among patients who remained on treatment.

"We know that patients are looking for additional options for weight loss, and with Wegovy HD we are answering that call," said Ed Cinca, senior vice president of Marketing & Patient Solutions at Novo Nordisk. The executive noted the product targets patients who have not reached weight loss goals on lower doses or those requiring more significant weight reduction.

The previously approved highest dose of Wegovy was 2.4 mg. That formulation is also indicated to reduce major cardiovascular events including death, heart attack, or stroke in adults with known heart disease and obesity or overweight status.

Cinca stated that Wegovy remains the only weight loss medicine for adults with obesity proven to reduce cardiovascular event risk in patients with known heart disease. The new HD formulation will be distributed through existing channels including US pharmacies and select telehealth providers.

The announcement was based on a company press release statement.