FDA Declares End to Wegovy and Ozempic Shortage

The FDA announced the end of the shortage of Novo Nordisk's drugs, Wegovy and Ozempic, which will impact sales of cheaper compounded versions. Compounded copies of Eli Lilly's drugs, Zepbound and Mounjaro, were also banned after a shortage was resolved. Novo has ramped up supply to meet demand.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has officially declared an end to the shortage of Novo Nordisk's popular weight-loss and diabetes medications, Wegovy and Ozempic. This announcement will halt widespread sales of cheaper, compounded versions produced by pharmacies that capitalized on the shortage.

U.S. regulations permit compounding pharmacies to replicate brand-name drugs during shortages. Previously, Eli Lilly's competing obesity and diabetes drugs, Zepbound and Mounjaro, faced similar bans post-shortage. The FDA has given pharmacies a 60 to 90-day grace period following this decision.

Due to high drug costs and scarcity, many Americans opted for compounded versions via pharmacies and telehealth services like Hims & Hers Health and WeightWatchers. However, Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have significantly increased production to meet demand. The FDA confirmed that all doses of Wegovy and Ozempic are now being shipped to wholesalers.

(With inputs from agencies.)