Sanders Launches Investigation Into Novo Nordisk’s High Drug Prices in US Compared to Abroad for Ozempic and Wegovy, Calling for Affordability Improvements

The US Senate has initiated an investigation led by Senator Bernie Sanders to examine the high costs of Novo Nordisk’s weight loss and diabetes medications Ozempic and Wegovy in America. In a letter addressed to CEO Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen, Sanders expressed his admiration for the groundbreaking drugs but criticised their unaffordable price points for many American patients who are unable to access them due to financial constraints. The senator warned that if prices remain unchanged, these medications could potentially bankrupt healthcare programmes such as Medicare and Medicaid, not only in America but also at a global level. Sanders highlighted the significant disparity between pricing structures overseas; for instance, Novo Nordisk charges $969 per month for Ozempic in the US compared to just $155 in Canada or $59 in Germany. He enquired if Jørgensen would consider significantly reducing both list and net prices of these drugs as a means of improving accessibility among American patients who cannot afford them. The investigation comes amid growing controversy regarding prescription drug costs, with Novo Nordisk’s high price points representing yet another issue under the spotlight for the Senate HELP committee chairman Sanders, following on from last year’s similar investigation into insulin pricing practices by Eli Lilly and Company.