Despite Medicare’s decision to cover Wegovy, a weight-loss drug, for seniors with obesity and heart disease, many doctors report difficulty in obtaining coverage for their patients. While Medicare prohibits coverage for weight-loss medications, the drug’s high cost and limited coverage raise concerns about access for older Americans.
Mounjaro, a new injectable medication, is gaining popularity for its effectiveness in weight loss. While it’s licensed to treat type 2 diabetes, its ability to mimic two hormones makes it more effective than Ozempic and Wegovy. However, the surge in demand for weight loss has led to shortages for diabetics, and experts warn about potential side effects and the importance of lifestyle changes.
A new study suggests a possible link between semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, and a rare form of blindness called NAION. While the study doesn’t prove causality, it highlights a potential risk that should be discussed with healthcare providers.
Indian pharmaceutical company Biocon is looking for a Chinese partner to conduct clinical trials for generic versions of Novo Nordisk’s blockbuster diabetes drug Ozempic and weight loss treatment Wegovy. The move comes ahead of the patent expiration on semaglutide, a key ingredient in both drugs, in China in 2026.
Senator Bernie Sanders has opened an investigation into the exorbitant pricing of Novo Nordisk’s diabetes and weight loss drugs, Ozempic and Wegovy. In a letter addressed to the company’s CEO, Sanders expressed his concerns over significant price discrepancies between the medications and across different countries. Despite their shared active ingredient, Ozempic and Wegovy are priced markedly differently, with costs in the United States far exceeding those in Canada and Europe. Sanders cited a Yale University report suggesting that these drugs could be produced profitably for less than $5 per month, raising questions about Novo Nordisk’s pricing strategy.
The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions is investigating Novo Nordisk’s pricing strategies, particularly for its diabetes and obesity medications, Ozempic and Wegovy. Senator Bernie Sanders has requested internal communications from Novo Nordisk regarding pricing discrepancies between the U.S. and other countries. The committee is also questioning why Wegovy, which contains the same compound as Ozempic, has a higher price tag. The investigation is part of a broader inquiry into industry-wide pricing practices in the pharmaceutical industry, with Senator Sanders planning to scrutinize Eli Lilly And Co as well.
Around 3.6 million older Americans are now eligible for Medicare coverage of Novo Nordisk’s weight-loss drug Wegovy, following FDA approval for expanded use in reducing cardiovascular risks. The new approval allows for Medicare Part D plans to cover Wegovy for individuals who are overweight or obese and have both heart disease and obesity.
Millions of overweight or obese Medicare patients with heart conditions may now be eligible for coverage of the popular weight-loss drug Wegovy under a new indication. The drug, approved by the FDA last month to reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack, is already covered by Medicare for people with diabetes. The Kaiser Family Foundation estimates that 3.6 million Medicare beneficiaries could be eligible for coverage of Wegovy for its new indication, but uptake may be limited by its high cost and potential side effects.
The FDA’s approval of Wegovy for reducing cardiovascular disease risk in Medicare beneficiaries with obesity has the potential to significantly impact healthcare access and costs. An estimated 3.6 million Medicare beneficiaries could gain access to the drug, representing approximately 7% of all Medicare enrollees. The expansion could lead to a significant increase in Part D spending, with estimates suggesting an additional $3 billion if 10% of eligible beneficiaries use Wegovy. However, the coverage expansion could also reduce the cost of proposed legislation to lift the Medicare ban on obesity medication coverage.
Spending on GLP-1 drugs, including Ozempic and Wegovy, has skyrocketed in recent years, putting a strain on the U.S. healthcare system and the federal government. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists reports that GLP-1 treatments were a major factor in last year’s rise in overall drug expenses for entities like pharmacies and hospitals. The approval of Wegovy for preventing cardiovascular complications could further increase Medicare spending by $2.8 billion annually.
