Senate Investigates Costs of Diabetes and Weight Loss Drugs

Senate Committee Investigates Ozempic and Wegovy Costs

A Senate committee is investigating the pricing of Ozempic and Wegovy, two blockbuster medications for diabetes and obesity made by Novo Nordisk. The medications are highly effective but carry steep price tags, with Ozempic costing around $968 per package and Wegovy $1,349.02 per package. Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, the chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, is leading the investigation. He has requested internal communications from Novo Nordisk on the pricing of these drugs in the United States, which is higher than in other countries. The committee has also asked why the company charges more for Wegovy when the two medications contain the same compound, semaglutide. | Medication | Price per Package | |---|---| | Ozempic | $968 | | Wegovy | $1,349.02 | Novo Nordisk has agreed to work with policymakers to find solutions to support access and affordability for all patients. However, experts believe that prices will likely drop as new competition enters the market.

Experts Weigh In on the Investigation

Experts say that the investigation is necessary to ensure that the drugs are affordable for patients who need them. Stacie Dusetzina, a health policy expert at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, said the high costs of the medications are compounded by the fact that patients may need to stay on them for the rest of their lives. Lindsay Allen, a health economist at Northwestern Medicine, said that health plans and employers are struggling to keep up with the cost of the medications and have started to restrict access or end coverage. Dr. Allen is skeptical that the investigation will bring prices down quickly. She said manufacturers are unlikely to lower costs out of the goodness of their hearts while they still have a monopoly on the market.
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