Clinicians Urge Affordable Access to Ozempic and Wegovy

Clinicians Demand Affordable Access to Ozempic and Wegovy

Ahead of next week’s hearing on the exorbitant prices set by Novo Nordisk for their blockbuster drugs, Ozempic and Wegovy, over 250 clinicians from across the country have mobilized to demand Congress take action. This call comes in response to concerns from Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP).

High Prices Unacceptable for Life-Changing Treatments

• “Doctors are frustrated by seeing their patients ripped off by pharmaceutical giants,” stated Sanders.
• Ozempic is priced at $969 per month in the U.S., while available for $155 in Canada and $59 in Germany.
• Wegovy costs $1,349 a month in the U.S. compared to $140 in Germany and $92 in the UK.

As Novo Nordisk CEO Lars Jørgensen prepares to testify about these high costs at the HELPing hearing, concerns mount regarding treatment accessibility.

Patient Care at Risk

• Dr. Kasia Lipska, a prominent endocrinologist, voiced that “exorbitant prices prevent effective treatments for many patients.”
• In North Carolina, lack of coverage for weight-loss medications has left many without options.
• Dr. Elizabeth Dewey emphasized that many patients cannot afford these medications even with discount options.

The collective effort aims to push manufacturers to lower prices and advocate for legislative support to ensure all patients have access to essential treatments that can significantly improve their health and quality of life.