Congressional Hearing on Health Costs Relating to Ozempic and Wegovy
Health Costs and Pricing Strategies
WEDNESDAY, Sept. 25, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Health costs related to drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy were discussed during a tense Senate Committee hearing on Tuesday. Novo Nordisk CEO Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen faced tough questions from Senate members about the high prices of these popular weight loss medications.
Blame on Pharmacy Benefits Managers
While testifying, Jørgensen suggested that pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) were a significant factor in the pricing of Ozempic and Wegovy. He noted that if these medications had a lower list price, they might not be offered by PBMs.
- High list prices lead to larger rebates for PBMs.
- Jørgensen agreed to engage in discussions with PBMs about lowering prices.
Senator Bernie Sanders emphasized the need for these discussions, aiming for better access to these essential medications for patients.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. We are not responsible for any actions taken based on the content of this site. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment. We source our news from reputable sources and provide links to the original articles. We do not endorse or assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained in external sources.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.