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Ozempic and Wegovy shortages persist as global demand for weight-loss drugs soars

Celebrities fuel the craze, but millions with diabetes and obesity can't afford these life-changing drugs. Could patent expirations finally lower costs?

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The image shows a poster with a logo and text that reads "President Biden Capped Insulin Costs at...
The image shows a poster with a logo and text that reads "President Biden Capped Insulin Costs at $35 a Month for Seniors on Medicare Through the Inflation Reduction Act".

Will the weight loss injection become significantly cheaper? - Ozempic and Wegovy shortages persist as global demand for weight-loss drugs soars

Weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy have caused a global surge in demand, despite being created for diabetes and obesity treatment. Prices for these medications vary widely, with patients in Germany paying up to €300 per month. The rush for these drugs has left many struggling to access them while costs continue to climb. The active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, semaglutide, was classified as an essential medicine by the World Health Organization in 2022. Yet high prices and shortages have made it difficult for patients to obtain. Manufacturer Novo Nordisk has faced production struggles, pushing costs into the thousands for some buyers.

Celebrities and Hollywood figures have fuelled demand by using semaglutide for weight loss, even though side effects remain a concern. Meanwhile, core patents on the drug have expired in ten countries, including Brazil, China, India, and South Africa. Another 150 nations never had patent protections at all. These 160 countries are home to 69% of people with type 2 diabetes and 84% of those with obesity. A University of Liverpool study suggests production costs could fall below $3 (€2.60) per month if prices dropped. With around 27% of the global population qualifying for these treatments, lower costs would likely trigger a sharp rise in demand. Obesity-related deaths reach 3.7 million annually, while diabetes cases have soared from 200 million in 1990 to 830 million in 2022. The gap between production costs and market prices highlights ongoing challenges in accessibility.

The global demand for semaglutide drugs remains high, but patent expirations and potential cost cuts could change the market. If production costs drop as predicted, millions more could gain access. For now, shortages and high prices continue to limit availability for those who need it most.

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