Novo Nordisk’s GLP-1 Weight Loss Drug Wegovy Is Not a Panacea for Obesity

Please note that the author does not offer investment advice and does not hold any positions in the stocks mentioned.

Despite the ongoing craze surrounding GLP-1 anti-obesity and anti-diabetes drugs, Novo Nordisk (NYSE: NVO) has significantly increased its market capitalization. However, the Danish pharmaceutical company’s well-known weight loss medication, Wegovy, is now appearing to be more of a stepping stone rather than the promised solution to the obesity epidemic.

In case you are not familiar, the GLP-1 hormone plays a crucial role in suppressing hunger and regulating insulin and glucose production. GLP-1 agonists, such as Semaglutide, are used by Novo Nordisk in their drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, which are targeted for type-2 diabetes and obesity, respectively. These drugs work by increasing insulin levels after a meal, resulting in decreased blood glucose levels, and also slowing down the emptying of the stomach into the small intestine, leading to increased feelings of fullness and satisfaction.

Despite having several other GLP-1 drugs in development, such as those that can be taken orally and those that combine GLP-1 and Amylin agonists for improved effectiveness, Novo Nordisk’s main GLP-1 options currently are Wegovy and Ozempic. However, these medications are facing mounting criticism regarding their effectiveness, cost, and potential adverse effects.

The Disparity in Drug Costs: How Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic and Wegovy GLP-1 Drugs Are Priced at $1,300 in the US Despite a Production Cost of Only $5

According to a recent study published in the JAMA Open Network in March, the estimated production cost for a monthly dose of Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic and Wegovy drugs is approximately $5. However, these drugs are currently being sold in the US at a much higher price, with Ozempic priced at $935.77 per month for individuals without medical insurance, and Wegovy priced even higher at around $1,300 per month without insurance coverage.

There is no rational reason, other than greed, for Novo Nordisk to charge Americans nearly $1,000 a month for Ozempic when it costs less than $5 to manufacture it and can be purchased in Germany for just $59. Novo must substantially reduce the price of Ozempic in the US now. pic.twitter.com/rdyF5MCQbX

— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) March 27, 2024

Despite the fact that Ozempic is being sold for just around $59 per month in Germany, in the US, the cost is much higher due to the elevated expenses typically associated with FDA approvals, which can reach millions or even hundreds of millions of dollars. While Novo Nordisk has the right to recoup their research and development costs, the significant difference in pricing has the potential to spark controversy.

Legal Troubles Mount for Pharmaceutical Companies as More Lawsuits Emerge Over Harmful GLP-1 Drug Side Effects

DOZENS SUE SAYING OZEMPIC, OTHER WEIGHT LOSS AND DIABETES DRUGS CAUSE HARMFUL SIDE EFFECTS (USA Today)

Paulsen Bronston tried different medications to manage his diabetes, to no avail, before his doctor suggested a new drug.

In 2018, the doctor advised Bronston, who lives in… pic.twitter.com/xxuBkYyfff

— FXHedge (@Fxhedgers) March 23, 2024

GLP-1 drugs produced by companies such as Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly and Company may result in common side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, according to reports, a few individuals have experienced more severe side effects, including “unbearable pain”and dysfunction of the gallbladder. This has led them to file lawsuits against the drug manufacturers.

Novo Nordisk, along with other pharmaceutical companies, is currently facing numerous lawsuits for the harmful side effects caused by their GLP-1 drugs. These lawsuits, totaling over five dozen, have been filed against the companies. However, Novo Nordisk has the highest number of lawsuits among all the companies in this group.

Controversy Surrounding the Effectiveness of Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy for Weight Loss

$NVO $LLY | According to the WSJ, NOT everyone taking Ozempic & Wegovy sees weight loss—up to 15% of users have little to NO change due to genetics and other factors.

— Wall St Engine (@wallstengine) April 1, 2024

According to a recent report by the Wall Street Journal, doctors have stated that approximately 10 to 15 percent of individuals who use Wegovy do not see significant weight loss due to factors such as genetics, pre-existing medical conditions, and previous weight loss methods utilized.

It is noteworthy that the proportion of non-responders is significantly lower for Mounjaro GLP-1, a product of Eli Lilly and Company. This further supports our initial argument that Wegovy GLP-1, developed by Novo Nordisk, is not a cure-all solution for obesity.