Semaglutide, widely recognized under brand names like Ozempic and Wegovy for its role in managing type 2 diabetes and promoting weight loss, has demonstrated a significant and, to some extent, surprising heart-saving effect. Major clinical trials such as SELECT and SOUL have shown that semaglutide can reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular death. The SELECT trial, involving over 17,000 participants, reported a 20% reduction in MACE in overweight or obese individuals with established cardiovascular disease but without diabetes. Similarly, the SOUL trial demonstrated a 14% reduction in MACE for oral semaglutide in people with type 2 diabetes and pre-existing cardiovascular disease. A key finding that has drawn attention from medical professionals is that these cardiovascular benefits largely occur independent of the amount of weight a person loses. This suggests that semaglutide exerts its protective effects through additional mechanisms beyond just reducing body fat, such as improving blood pressure, lowering inflammation, enhancing blood vessel function, and regulating blood lipid levels. Professor John Deanfield from UCL noted that these findings 'reframe what we think this medication is doing,' highlighting its direct impact on heart disease. The medication has also been shown to improve symptoms in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. The global relevance of this discovery is immense, given the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and obesity worldwide. For India, this news is particularly significant as the semaglutide market is projected to grow substantially, with the impending expiry of patents expected to lead to the launch of more affordable generic versions by early 2026. This could make the drug more accessible to a larger population suffering from diabetes and obesity, offering a crucial tool in combating cardiovascular disease in the country.