Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee Chairman Sanders announced this week that he is launching an investigation into Novo Nordisk’s product pricing. Ozempic and Wigoby.
In a letter to Novo Nordisk’s CEO, Sanders said: “We are excited to develop these potentially game-changing drugs for the millions of Americans living with type 2 diabetes and obesity. Novo Nordisk’s scientists deserve great credit for their work.” Lars Fluagaard Jorgensen.
“These drugs are important, but they are of no use to the millions of patients who cannot afford them,” he added.
Sanders called for inside information on drug prices in the United States, where consumers pay far more than they do in other countries. He also asked why the company was charging a higher price for Wegoby, since they are the same drug.
The monthly list price of Ozempic is $935 According to Novo Nordisk’s website, it requires four injections per week. The manufacturer’s weight loss drug Wegovy is also an injection of semaglutide.Its list price is approx. $1,349 per month.
“Furthermore, unless the prices of these products are significantly lowered, Medicare, Medicaid, and the entire health care system could go bankrupt,” Sanders wrote.
According to KFF analysis, spending on Ozempic alone will increase from $2.6 billion in 2021. $4.6 billion in 2022.
Federal law prohibits Medicare from covering weight loss drugs, but Congress is considering measures to change the policy. Until now, private insurance companies unwilling We cannot cover weight loss drugs because they are considered lifestyle medicine or cosmetic medicine and are not essential.
Ozempic is approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat diabetes, and Wegovy is approved to help certain patients lose weight and lower their risk of cardiovascular disease.
