The CEO of Novo Nordisk, Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen, is defending the high cost of the company’s obesity-related drugs, Ozempic and Wegovy, in the United States. Jørgensen argues that the drugs are ultimately saving taxpayers money by reducing the costs associated with obesity, which he estimates to be over $400 billion annually in the U.S. He refutes accusations that the company is operating as a drug cartel and contends that the pricing of the drugs reflects the value they provide in reducing obesity-related expenses.
Novo Nordisk’s pricing of Ozempic and Wegovy has come under scrutiny, with Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders planning to question Jørgensen about why the drugs cost significantly more in the U.S. compared to other countries. Despite the potential savings in obesity-related care costs, some experts argue that the current prices of the drugs may not result in overall healthcare spending reductions.
Jørgensen attributes the high out-of-pocket costs for patients to insurance companies and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), whom he blames for inflating drug prices. He acknowledges that some patients may struggle to afford the medications and highlights the company’s patient support programs to assist those in need. Additionally, Jørgensen emphasizes the need for a discussion on the value of the drugs for patients and the complexities of the U.S. healthcare system.
While Ozempic and Wegovy have shown promise in preventing and reducing obesity-related diseases, the long-term cost-effectiveness and benefits of these drugs remain uncertain due to limited data on their widespread use for weight loss. This ongoing debate underscores the complexity of balancing drug pricing, healthcare costs, and patient access to essential medications.
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