What’s the latest with Ozempic in New Zealand? Where is the hyped weight loss drug?

Hype around Ozempic reached a fever pitch earlier this year, but it is not yet clear when the drug will arrive in New Zealand.

Semaglutide, commonly known by the brand name Ozempic (also sold as Wegovy and Rybelsus), was first developed in 2012 and is used to treat uncontrolled type 2 diabetes.

Its notoriety is so popular that the drug is currently in short supply around the world, with Kiwi diabetics sharing access to people in Australia and the US who are hooked on Ozempic as a slimming drug on social media. have to fight.

In March, New Zealand’s medical regulator Medsafe approved an injectable version of the drug, made by Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals.

But as 2023 draws to a close, Ozempic is still not available in New Zealand. So what’s the latest on this year’s most controversial and highly publicized injectable drug?

What does the manufacturer of Ozempic say?

Pharmac has approved Ozempic for use in New Zealand, but the pharmaceutical company that makes the drug has not said when Ozempic will arrive in New Zealand.

in a statement to thingNovo Nordisk says: “Novo Nordisk welcomes Medsafe’s approval of Ozempic (semaglutide) in New Zealand.

“Novo Nordisk is considering options to offer Ozempic (semaglutide) to people with type 2 diabetes in New Zealand.”

As shortages continue worldwide, Novo Nordisk has issued a statement saying there may be significant delays to its website.

How much does it cost?

Similarly, it remains unclear whether Pharmac will fund the drug in New Zealand (where it costs around $184 to $370 per weekly dose in Australia).

Geraldine McGibbon, Pharmaceutical Director at Pharmac Said Waikato Times, “Pharmac does not fund semaglutide, the brand name of Ozempic or Wigovy, and currently does not fund drugs specifically aimed at weight loss.”

Who is Ozempic for?

The NZ Diabetes Research Association said drugs like Ozempic needed to be made available to New Zealanders, saying the disease currently costs the health sector $2.1 billion a year.

According to Ministry of Health statistics, there were 277,803 people with diabetes in Aotearoa in 2020, and 47,988 in Manukau County alone.

Why was Ozempic’s approval delayed so long in the first place?

The drug’s approval has been delayedsparked criticism of Medsafe’s new drug approval process and evaluation goals, particularly when the drug has been available for a significant amount of time in the UK, US, Canada and Australia.

In the US, the FDA first granted approval for the drug in December 2017, but six years later New Zealanders still do not have access to the same drug.

post Novo Nordisk has not applied for New Zealand approval. By December 2021, four years had already passed since Ozempic appeared on the US market.

What is the controversy surrounding this drug?

The diabetes drug acts as an appetite suppressant and off-label weight loss tool, but obesity groups have raised concerns about its harmful side effects and the glorification of food culture.

The rise of Ozempic has also led to the rise of “fast-acting” weight loss alternatives, such as the supplement berberine.

The ingestion of Ozempic by celebrities sparked viral awareness of the drug, which was marketed to Americans in the high-profile “Oh Oh Ozempic” advertising campaign.

But New Zealand Pharmaceutical Society president Professor Rhiannon Brown said she expected medical professionals to use their discretion when prescribing the drug for off-label weight loss uses.

“The problem with this drug is that it is used legally. I would like to believe that prescribers and pharmacists are pretty honest,” Professor Brown said. thing. “From the moment you run that script, you have to be really careful. If something goes wrong, you have to take responsibility for it.”

A Ministry of Health spokesperson said: thing “Ozempic is approved by Medsafe for the treatment of adults with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. Ozempic is not approved for any other use, but if a licensed prescriber determines that the patient needs it.” If so, it can be prescribed.

“Dr Manatu Hauora recommends that you consult your medical team at your practice before starting weight management medications.”

Ninety-seven percent of dieters gain weight back, and Ozempic’s critics warn against the idea of ​​a “cure” for obesity.

Is Ozempic successful overseas?

The drug may not yet be available in New Zealand, but Ozempic’s global sales are helping manufacturer Novo Nordisk build up its stockpiles.

In September, the Danish pharmaceutical company briefly became Europe’s most valuable company, with its share price rising to DKK$1,310.80 (NZ$320.76).

In the same week, Novo Nordisk’s market capitalization reached US$424.7 billion, taking the crown from luxury fashion goods group LVMH, according to Reuters.

The weight loss industry is booming, but it remains to be seen how this drug will take the New Zealand market by storm.