Ebn Sina Medical, a subsidiary of Aamal Company Q.P.S.C. and a leading pharmaceutical supplier, has partnered with Danish healthcare leader Novo Nordisk to introduce Wegovy (Semaglutide 2.4mg) in Qatar. The once-weekly injectable treatment is the first GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) approved for chronic weight management in adults and adolescents aged 12 and above.
The launch event was held in the presence of H.E. Anders Bjørn Hansen, Ambassador of Denmark to the UAE and Qatar; Rashid bin Ali Al Mansoori, CEO of Aamal Company; Manvendra Singh, General Manager of Novo Nordisk Qatar; and Dr. Nayla Mansour, Commercial Director, representing Ebn Sina Medical General Manager Essam Faragalla.
Wegovy works by reducing appetite and increasing feelings of fullness. It is indicated for patients with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) or those overweight (BMI ≥ 27 kg/m²) with at least one weight-related comorbidity, as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Clinical trials show Wegovy delivers an average 17% weight reduction over two years, with one-third of patients achieving 20% or more, alongside improvements in waist circumference, blood pressure, lipid levels, glycemic control, and inflammation markers.
Obesity is a rising epidemic globally, and especially in the Gulf region. In Qatar, 41% of adults are classified as obese, with the rate rising to 46% among women. Nearly 76% of the population is overweight. This high prevalence contributes to the nation’s increasing burden of chronic conditions such as pre-diabetes, Type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
At the event, Aamal CEO Rashid bin Ali Al Mansoori described the launch as a key milestone in tackling obesity in Qatar. He emphasized Aamal’s commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure in line with the National Health Strategy and Vision 2030, highlighting Ebn Sina Medical’s role in expanding access to cutting-edge treatments.
Manvendra Singh of Novo Nordisk Qatar said: “Wegovy’s availability marks a major step in recognizing obesity as a serious, chronic disease. With Qatar facing some of the world’s highest obesity rates, our partnership with Ebn Sina aims to improve patient outcomes through innovative, evidence-based care.”
Essam Faragalla, General Manager of Ebn Sina Medical, added: “This collaboration reflects our shared vision for patient-centered healthcare. Introducing Wegovy is a testament to our dedication to providing world-class treatment solutions that align with national health priorities.”
Professor Usama AlAlami, Head of Medical at Novo Nordisk Qatar, underlined obesity’s role as a primary driver of the diabetes epidemic in the country, accounting for over 57% of diabetes cases. He highlighted that 80% of pre-diabetic individuals in trials reverted to normal blood sugar levels with Semaglutide 2.4mg, reinforcing its potential in preventing the onset of Type 2 diabetes among high-risk patients.
Source: The Peninsula
