U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders Grills Novo Nordisk CEO on Rising Drug Costs
During a rigorous Senate Health Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders pointedly scrutinized Novo Nordisk CEO Lars Jorgensen regarding the exorbitant costs of Ozempic and Wegovy. The senator underscored that Ozempic is priced at $969 in the U.S., compared to just $59 in Germany, while Wegovy costs $1,349 versus $92 in the UK.
Senator Sanders voiced urgency, stating, “If not made affordable, Americans throughout this country will needlessly die and suffer.” In response, Jorgensen defended the company, pointing to coverage statistics and claims of price reductions since Ozempic's launch.
- Senator Sanders demands the same treatment for Americans as for patients globally.
- Jorgensen asserts that 80% of insured Americans can access these medicines at reduced costs.
- Concerns over pharmacy benefit managers and their influence on pricing were raised.
With around 72% of Novo Nordisk’s revenue generated from the U.S., the need for a deeper discussion on drug pricing policies has never been more critical.
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.