Novo Nordisk CEO Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen was grilled by Senators over the high prices of the weight-loss drug Wegovy and diabetes drug Ozempic in the United States compared to other countries. Sen. Bernie Sanders led the questioning, highlighting the vast price differences between the U.S. and Europe. The company has made billions in sales from these drugs since 2018, with the U.S. accounting for the majority of sales.
Sanders called for the company to treat American patients the same as those in other countries and to stop charging exorbitant prices. Jørgensen defended the pricing, stating that the complex U.S. healthcare system influences drug costs. He also mentioned that the drugs are covered by private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, making them accessible to 80% of Americans for $25 or less per month.
Additionally, Medicare does not cover weight-loss drugs for obese patients without serious risk factors, but individuals with diabetes or heart disease may qualify. A study found that these drugs could be made for less than $5 a month, but Jørgensen highlighted the costs associated with research and development.
Overall, the pricing of Novo Nordisk’s drugs in the U.S. compared to other countries was a major focus of the hearing, with Senators questioning the reasons behind the disparities and calling for more transparency and affordable options for American patients.
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