Intended for patients suffering from severe obesity, the successful treatment from the Danish laboratory Novo Nordisk has been marketed in France since Tuesday, October 8. Accessible only by prescription, it is not yet reimbursed by Health Insurance.
According to Ministry figures, 17% of the French population is obese. Now, since Tuesday October 8, pharmacists can dispense Wegovy, a medication which shows promising results according to the ANSM study. An alternative to Saxenda®, also produced by Novo Nordisk, until now the only solution offered in France. Patients will need to have a prescription to benefit from this new treatment, at an estimated price of between 9 and 12 euros per day, without coverage by Health Insurance. However, this medication can only be prescribed as second-line treatment, after failure of nutritional support, and must be accompanied by a low-calorie diet and an increase in physical activity.
A weighty decision
Novo Nordisk is thus ahead of its main competitor, the American Lilly. Pending possible coverage by the public health system, the file being studied, the Danish giant is placing itself in first position on the French market. Wegovy is part of the GLP-1 family, a class of drugs that mimic an intestinal hormone providing a feeling of fullness.
Avoid gaps
The recent history of antidiabetic drugs shows misuse for slimming purposes. In the United States, Ozempic, intended to treat diabetes, has been popularized by influencers and celebrities, including the Kardashian sisters and Oprah Winfrey, for its appetite suppressant effect. To avoid any health risks, the National Agency for Medicines and Health Products has decided to restrict the conditions for prescribing GLP-1 and its analogues. Only doctors specializing in endocrinology, diabetology and nutrition will be authorized to prescribe it. Renewals can be carried out by general practitioners.
Sasha Alliel
