- Novo Nordisk is investing $6.5 billion to increase production at Ozempic and Wegovy.
- The drugmaker also said it would “do everything in its power” to make both drugs more available.
- Ozempic’s out-of-pocket fees are approximately $968 per package, while Wegovy’s out-of-pocket fees are approximately $1,349 per package.
Pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk has vowed to increase production of its popular weight loss drug and make it more available.
The company is the manufacturer of semaglutide, known by the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy. Ozempic is an FDA-approved prescription drug for people with type 2 diabetes, and Wegovy is FDA-approved for weight loss in chronically obese people. This drug is taken by weekly injections into the thigh, stomach, or arm and acts on the brain to affect the feeling of fullness.
Over the past year, this drug has grown in popularity as many people use it when it is not medically necessary. In addition to drug trends, both are affected by national drug shortages.
Three different doses of Wegoby are currently listed as having “limited availability” due to increased demand, according to the Food and Drug Administration. However, there is no estimate of the duration of the shortage.
“We recognize that demand definitely exceeds supply,” Novo Nordisk senior vice president Negel Morris told ABC News.
He said the company is investing $6.5 billion to increase production, enough to start 25,000 new patients a week on Wegovy. However, shortages still persist.
“This is not like a light switch,” Morris said of meeting demand. “The strategy is to be very careful and thoughtful about the amount of low doses we bring to market. The investments we are making in manufacturing capacity will ensure that we meet that demand over time. I think I will be able to respond.”
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Novo Nordisk also wants to address high out-of-pocket costs for pharmaceuticals.
In April, the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee launched an investigation into the prices Novo Nordisk charges Ozempic and Wigoby. Ozempic’s out-of-pocket fees are approximately $968 per package, while Wegovy’s out-of-pocket fees are approximately $1,349 per package.
The committee’s chairman, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, said in an interview that “the price has to come down so that consumers can get it and the government can provide it and not go bankrupt.” Stated. new york times report.
Morris told the inquiry that drug companies are “doing everything we can” to make both drugs more available.
“We agree that these drugs need to be made more affordable. That’s the bet we made,” she told the ABC. “I can absolutely assure the United States that we are doing everything we can to not only reduce out-of-pocket costs in a manner consistent with the U.S. health care system, but also increase supply and manufacturing facilities.” 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. I work 24/7. ”
Morris continued, “We have had to be thoughtful and responsible to ensure that we are increasing access to this drug by releasing more of the drug at lower doses, and that we are providing more new Our plan to get patients started on treatment is something we remain committed to.”
