It has been revealed the fact that Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are some weight loss medicines that raise some eyebrows. Check out the latest reports about the matter below.
Weight loss drugs in the news
The weight loss effects of Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro have gained a lot of attention lately. However, the cost of these drugs within the country has raised some eyebrows.
A new report from the American Economic Institute (AEI) has highlighted some factors that make this class of drugs more affordable. However, the report does not consider the prices in other developed nations.
This raises the question: Are these weight loss drugs a bargain for Americans or unnecessarily expensive? According to the AEI report, the estimated current monthly prices of semaglutide and the related drug tirzepatide are as follows:
$936 for Ozempic or Rybelsus (semaglutide).
$936 Rybelsus (semaglutide).
$1,023 for Mounjaro (tirzepatide).
$1,349 for Wegovy (semaglutide).
The prices of Wegovy, Mounjaro, Ozempic and Rybelsus are high, but they are significantly lower with insurance coverage and manufacturer rebates or coupons.
However, even with these savings, the monthly cost of these drugs remains high.
For those who are insured but not covered for these drugs, the estimated monthly cost is $849 for Wegovy and $448 for Mounjaro. Unfortunately, uninsured users of Ozempic and Rybelsus do not receive any benefit.
According to AEI, the market for weight-loss drugs is in flux and competitors are expected to enter the market, which could lead to lower prices for these drugs in the future.
Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic and Wegovy, believes that ensuring the coverage of anti-obesity medicines by government and commercial insurance plans is the most effective way to make them accessible and affordable for millions of Americans who need them.
In an email to The Epoch Times, a Novo Nordisk spokesperson stated the need to collaborate with elected officials to push legislation that recognizes obesity as a chronic progressive disease and supports the fair reimbursement of treatments.
Novo Nordisk has been advocating for patient access to all obesity treatments, including anti-obesity medication coverage in Medicare Part D, a voluntary outpatient prescription drug benefit for people with Medicare. The company is also working with insurers and employers to expand coverage of these drugs.
