Infarmed Approves Ozempic for Adults with BMI Over 30 or High Cardiovascular Risk
Diabetes affects 14% of adults in Madeira, far above the European average of 9.8%, highlighting the urgent need for prevention, early detection, and healthier lifestyles on the island. In addition, 58% of Madeira’s adult population is classified as overweight or obese
The Portuguese National Authority of Medicines and Health Products (Infarmed) has announced that Ozempic (semaglutide) will now be covered by the Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS) for adults in Portugal with type 2 diabetes who are obese or at high cardiovascular risk. This decision expands access to a treatment considered essential for many patients.
Ozempic to Be Used as Supplement to Diet, Exercise, and Other Diabetes Medications
According to Infarmed, Ozempic will serve as an “adjuvant to diet and exercise, in addition to other medications for the treatment of diabetes” and will be prescribed in second- and third-line therapy. This means it will be available for patients whose blood sugar is not sufficiently controlled by other treatments.
Association Praises Decision as Long-Standing Demand for Diabetic Patients
José Manuel Boavida, president of the Associação Protetora dos Diabéticos de Portugal (APDP), described the decision as “a long-standing request of the association.” He said it addresses previous inequalities in treatment access, calling prior exclusions “completely unacceptable.”
This news extends coverage to most people with diabetes, to all those who are obese, and to all those who have a high cardiovascular risk, which is practically all people with diabetes
Expanded Access Targets Most Diabetic Patients with Obesity or Cardiovascular Risk
Boavida explained that the new policy broadens coverage to “almost all people with diabetes, to all those who have obesity, and to all those with elevated cardiovascular risk,” noting that these categories include the majority of diabetic patients.
The medication will be used as an adjunct to diet and exercise, in addition to other medications for the treatment of diabetes, to be used in second and third lines of therapy.
APDP Highlights Need for Further Action on Obesity Management
While welcoming the change, the APDP emphasized that tackling obesity directly remains a critical next step. “We understand it is complex, but it must also be addressed. We proceed step by step,” Boavida said, expressing satisfaction with the SNS and Infarmed’s decision.
Sources:
RTP Madeira
SIC Noticias
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