Novo Nordisk has launched its popular weight-loss drug, Wegovy, in Germany, marking its entry into a significant European market. The company is banking on the drug’s success and is anticipating that Germans will be willing to pay several hundred euros out of their own pockets for it since public health insurance policies do not currently cover it.
The weight-loss medication, Wegovy, has been proven to assist individuals in shedding roughly 15% of their body weight when combined with exercise and lifestyle modifications. The drug is currently available in the United States, but it has only been introduced in small Norwegian and Danish markets in Europe so far.
Like all medications, Wegovy may cause side effects in some individuals. The most common side effects of Wegovy include gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Other potential side effects include headache, dizziness, fatigue, and decreased appetite. In rare cases, some individuals may experience more severe side effects, such as pancreatitis or kidney damage.
It is important to note that Wegovy is only prescribed to individuals who are considered clinically obese and have other related health conditions, and it is not intended for use by individuals who are seeking to lose weight for cosmetic purposes. As with any medication, individuals who are prescribed Wegovy should discuss any potential side effects with their healthcare provider and report any adverse reactions promptly
Novo Nordisk has confirmed that the first individuals in Germany have utilized their prescriptions for Wegovy, in accordance with their plan to launch the medication in Germany at the end of July. Since the drug’s launch two years ago, Novo’s share price has more than doubled, making it Europe’s second most valuable listed company after LVMH.
According to doctors and patients interviewed by Reuters, there is anticipated to be a significant demand for the weekly injections in Germany, with many patients willing to bear the cost. The pricing starts at 170 euros ($190) per month and can rise to over 300 euros as the treatment necessitates increased dosages.
As per a long-standing law that prohibits public health insurance plans from covering weight-loss drugs, the cost of Wegovy will not be covered for around 90% of Germans who are enrolled in public health insurance plans.
For the remaining 10% of Germans with private health insurance, coverage for Wegovy may differ. Allianz has stated that it will cover the cost if a physician diagnoses a medical necessity, while Debeka has excluded weight-loss treatments from their plans.
Patient advocates and physicians have expressed their approval of the arrival of Wegovy in Germany, where 18.5% of adults are overweight, surpassing the European Union average of 16%.
Germany’s state public health agency, the Robert Koch Institute, has reported that illnesses related to excessive body weight have a significant impact on health and social security systems.
Given the high demand for the drug in the United States, where it can cost up to $1,350 per month, Novo Nordisk is increasing production. While the company states that it will closely monitor prescriptions in Germany to ensure that individuals with obesity have access to the medication, it cannot guarantee that there will be no supply delays.
To avoid affecting supplies in the United States, Wegovy will be administered in Germany using the same injection pen used in Norway and Denmark, which differs from the one used in the United States
The introduction of Wegovy in Germany will spark discussions in a country where the healthcare system has frequently regarded obesity as a lifestyle choice rather than a chronic illness.
According to physicians, many Germans who aim to lose weight have already taken Ozempic, a diabetes medication also produced by Novo Nordisk that contains a lower dosage of the same active ingredient as Wegovy.
Novo Nordisk statements
Physicians have expressed concern that supplies of Wegovy may be stretched thin due to non-obese individuals seeking “vanity” prescriptions. Novo Nordisk acknowledged these concerns in a statement in mid-July, urging physicians to prescribe the drug responsibly
Novo Nordisk has not specified any specific measures that it is taking to ensure that only those who need Wegovy are prescribed the medication.
However, the company has emphasized the importance of responsible prescribing practices, and it will closely monitor prescriptions in Germany to ensure that individuals with obesity have access to the medication. Additionally, since public health insurance plans in Germany do not cover weight-loss drugs, the cost of the drug may serve as a deterrent for individuals seeking “vanity” prescriptions.
