Sanders launches investigation into ‘unacceptable’ diabetes, weight loss drug prices

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, on Wednesday criticized the “exorbitantly high prices” of Novo Nordisk’s diabetes and weight loss drugs. ” has started an investigation. Ozempic and Wegoby.

Sanders on Wednesday written In a letter to Novo Nordisk CEO Lars Fluergaard Jorgensen, he informed of the investigation, explained his concerns about the wide range of price differences between medicines, and raised concerns about the pricing of medicines. was.

“Novo Nordisk scientists deserve tremendous credit for developing these potentially game-changing drugs for millions of Americans living with type 2 diabetes and obesity,” said Sanders. Stated.

“While these drugs are important, they do nothing for the millions of patients who cannot afford them,” Sanders continued.

Ozempic and Wegovy contain the same active ingredient semaglutide, but have different doses and strengths. Ozempic is FDA approved for his type 2 diabetes and Wegovy is approved for weight loss.

In his letter, Sanders questioned why the prices of the two drugs are different from each other and from other countries.

Ozempic for type 2 diabetes costs $969 a month in the U.S., Saunders said, but in Canada it costs $155 and in Germany it costs $59. Wegovy weight loss costs $1,349 per month in the US, while in Germany he costs $140 and in the UK he costs $92.

Sanders cited a recent report from Yale University that found the drug could be produced profitably for less than $5 a month.

“As a result of these astronomical prices, Ozempic and Wegobee are out of reach for the millions of Americans who need them,” Sanders said. “Unfortunately, even though Novo Nordisk made more than $12 billion in profits last year, Novo Nordisk’s pricing turns medicines that have the potential to improve people’s lives into luxuries. This is unacceptable.”

Sanders warned that high prices could bankrupt major programs such as Medicare and Medicaid “unless the prices of these products are significantly lowered,” adding, “The U.S. Congress and the federal government must We cannot allow something like this to happen,” he added.

A Novo Nordisk spokesperson said in a statement that the company is “proud of the work our scientists are doing to drive innovation and improve the lives of people with chronic diseases” and that medicines can help people. He said it was “humbling” to see him help.

“We agree with the Chairman that access to these important treatments is essential for patients in Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial markets.

“The science behind understanding disease, developing and producing new treatments, and understanding the complexities of health care systems in the United States and around the world is often oversimplified. We do not always take into account complex realities.Novo Nordisk remains committed to working with policymakers to advance solutions that support access and affordability for all patients. “I reiterated this commitment in my conversation with President Sanders,” the statement said.

Sanders asked the CEO if he would “significantly reduce the list and net prices of both Ozempic and Wegovy.” Sanders also asked for information by May 8 about internal decision-making, company profits and how prices are determined.