((Automated translation by Reuters, please see disclaimer https://bit.ly/rtrsauto))
(China Updates)
Novo Nordisk NOVOb.CO has launched its wildly popular weight loss drug Wegovy in more than 10 countries since 2021 at prices ranging from $200 to almost $2,000 per month, while Eli Lilly LLY.N has also started selling its rival drug in Europe and the United States.
The Danish manufacturer is working to convince European governments and insurers to reimburse the drug, seeking to position it as more than a lifestyle drug.
He says his factories operate 24 hours a day, but he is struggling to keep up with demand ().
Weekly injections start at 0.25 milligrams of the active ingredient, semaglutide, and gradually increase to the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg.
Here are the countries where Wegovy has launched, in order of launch date. Prices are for a four-week maintenance dose:
UNITED STATES
Wegovy launched in the United States in June 2021, but Novo had to wait until December 2022 for all doses to be available in that country due to an initial production issue.
The list price for a four-week course of treatment is approximately $1,350, regardless of dosage, not including coupons and rebates.
DENMARK
Wegovy was made available in all strengths in Denmark in early 2023. A four-week supply costs 2,370.60 Danish crowns ($343).
The public health system does not reimburse weight-loss drugs and the country’s largest private insurer, which covers about half the population, stopped reimbursing them last year due to high demand.
The government said in 2023, paying off Wegovy would cost the state up to $4 billion a year.
NORWAY
Wegovy launched in all doses in early 2023 at a price of 2,775.30 Norwegian crowns ($265).
The Norwegian Medicines Agency said in January 2023 that it would not subsidize the drug, saying the price would be too high compared to the documented health effects.
GERMANY
Wegovy debuted in its first major European market in July 2023, priced at 301.91 euros ($326).
The drug will not be reimbursed for around 90% of Germans covered by public health insurance plans, under a law that prohibits them from covering weight-loss drugs.
For the 10% of Germans with private health insurance, coverage varies. Insurer Allianz ALVG.DE said it would pay if the patient had a medical need, while rival Debeka said its plans excluded weight loss treatments.
BRITTANY
Wegovy was made available on site in Europe’s most obese country in September 2023, in what Novo called a “controlled and limited launch”.
The company has not released the price of the drug, which is available free through the National Health Service’s weight management program and for a fee in the private market.
Simple Online Pharmacy, a UK-based online pharmacy chain, said it would sell Wegovy in a range of 199-299 pounds ($252-379), including a consultation with a GP, prescription and delivery costs.
ICELAND
Novo launched Wegovy in Iceland in October 2023.
The Icelandic Medicines Agency said co-payment could be given to obese patients with weight-related comorbidity.
SUISSE
Novo launched Wegovy in Switzerland on November 7, 2023, where residents must have private health insurance, at a monthly cost of 835 Swiss francs ($966).
The government does not require insurers to pay for the drug.
Three major private insurance companies – Sanitas, Helsana and Groupe Mutuel – have said they will not cover it because it is not on the government’s mandatory list.
Groupe Mutuel said it covers Wegovy for adults and teens on its premium insurance plan.
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (UAE)
Novo introduced Wegovy in the UAE on November 20, 2023 at a monthly cost of AED 6,848 (1,864).
The United Arab Emirates, which provides free public health care to its citizens, has not said whether it will cover the cost of the drug. Expatriates must pay for private insurance.
JAPAN
Novo launched Wegovy in its first Asian country on February 22, 2024 with most patients paying 30% of medical costs, in line with reimbursement for other medicines.
The monthly cost for patients will be 42,960 yen ($290).
SPAIN
Novo launched Wegovy on May 1, 2024 in Spain.
CANADA
Novo launched the Wegovy in Canada in May 2024.
AUSTRALIA
On August 1, 2024, Wegovy launched in Australia. The drug will not be subsidized under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, Novo said.
CHINE
On November 18, 2024, Novo Nordisk said it launched Wegovy
in China – Novo’s second largest market after the United States. The price of the initial dose of Wegovy for one month will be 1,400 yuan ($193.44), according to financial media outlet Yicai.
On June 25, Novo said the launch would initially target patients who pay out of pocket for the drug.
SOURCE: Novo Nordisk, unless otherwise noted
($1 = 6.8988 Danish crowns)
($1 = 10.4490 Norwegian crowns)
(1 $ = 0,9255 euro)
($1 = 0.7886 pounds)
($1 = 147.7300 yen)
($1 = 0.8635 Swiss francs)
($1 = 3.6724 UAE Dirhams)
($1 = 7.2375 Chinese yuan renminbi)
