Novo Nordisk’s weight-loss drug Wegovy launched in Germany, EU’s largest market

Novo Nordisk's weight-loss drug Wegovy launched in Germany, EU's largest market

Novo Nordisk Launches Weight-Loss Drug Wegovy in Germany

Wegovy

Novo Nordisk, a Danish pharmaceutical company, has recently launched its blockbuster weight-loss drug, Wegovy, in Germany, marking its entry into a major European market. Wegovy, already available in the United States, has shown promising results in helping patients reduce body weight by around 15% when combined with exercise and lifestyle changes.

The introduction of Wegovy in Germany is expected to attract significant interest, with doctors and patients anticipating high demand for the weekly injections. Despite the high cost, starting at 170 euros ($190) per month and gradually increasing depending on the required dosage, many patients are willing to bear the expenses. However, public health insurance plans, which cover approximately 90% of Germans, are currently prohibited by law from covering weight-loss drugs.

For the 10% of Germans with private health insurance, coverage for Wegovy will vary. Major providers like Allianz have stated they will cover the drug if a physician determines a medical need, while Debeka’s plans exclude weight-loss treatments. Patient advocates and physicians in Germany have welcomed the arrival of Wegovy, considering the country’s obesity rate of 18.5% among adults, higher than the European Union average of 16%.

Germany’s state public health agency, the Robert Koch Institute, acknowledges the significant burden that diseases linked to excess body weight impose on the healthcare and social security systems. Therefore, the availability of Wegovy is seen as a positive step in addressing this issue.

Novo Nordisk is scaling up production to meet the soaring demand in the United States, where Wegovy can cost as much as $1,350 per month. The company intends to closely monitor prescriptions in Germany to ensure access for individuals with obesity, although supply delays cannot be ruled out.

In Germany, Wegovy will be administered using the same injection pen used in Norway and Denmark, different from the one used in the United States. This strategy aims to prevent supply shortages in the US market. However, the introduction of Wegovy in Germany may spark a debate in a country where the healthcare system often views obesity as a lifestyle choice rather than a chronic disease.

Interestingly, German doctors have noted that many individuals seeking weight loss have already been using Ozempic, a diabetes drug made by Novo Nordisk that contains a lower dose of the same active ingredient found in Wegovy. Consequently, there are concerns among physicians that the supply of Wegovy may be strained by non-obese people seeking “vanity” prescriptions. To address this concern, Novo Nordisk issued a statement in mid-July, emphasizing the importance of responsible prescribing by physicians.

The successful launch of Wegovy in Germany represents a significant milestone for Novo Nordisk, as the company’s share price has more than doubled in the two years since the drug’s debut. Currently, the company is Europe’s second-most valuable listed company after LVMH.

In conclusion, the arrival of Wegovy in Germany offers hope and potential solutions for individuals struggling with obesity. With its proven effectiveness and positive reception from patient advocates and physicians, Wegovy has the potential to become a crucial tool in combatting the health and social implications associated with excessive body weight.

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