Global Rollout of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy: Challenges and Pricing

Novo Nordisk has successfully launched its weight-loss drug Wegovy in various countries since 2021, with prices ranging from $200 to $2,000 monthly. The company aims to secure reimbursement from European governments and insurers. Challenges include high demand and differing reimbursement policies across countries.

Novo Nordisk, the Danish pharmaceutical giant, has launched its widely popular weight-loss drug, Wegovy, in 12 countries since 2021, with prices ranging from $200 to nearly $2,000 a month. Meanwhile, Eli Lilly has started selling its competing drug in Europe and the United States.

As Novo Nordisk pushes to convince European governments and insurers to reimburse Wegovy, positioning it as more than just a lifestyle drug, its factories are operating 24/7 to meet the soaring demand. Weekly injections start at a 0.25 mg dose of semaglutide, progressively increasing to 2.4 mg for maintenance.

The company is facing varied reimbursement landscapes: In the U.S., the list price for a four-week treatment is around $1,350, while in Denmark, a similar supply costs approximately $343. Reimbursement decisions in Norway, Germany, and the UK reflect differing national policies, with some countries outright refusing to subsidize the drug.

(With inputs from agencies.)