Novo Nordisk Launches Wegovy Weight-Loss Drug in the U.K.
Novo Nordisk, the Danish pharmaceutical giant, has launched its highly popular weight-loss drug, Wegovy, in the U.K. This comes as the company faces challenges in meeting the growing demand for the treatment.
Surging Demand for Wegovy
Novo Nordisk's success with weight-loss drugs has propelled it to become Europe's most valuable company, surpassing luxury conglomerate LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton.
To ensure an adequate supply of Wegovy for existing patients, Novo Nordisk has had to withhold some lower-strength starter doses in the U.S., where demand is also soaring.
Additionally, the company's diabetes drug, Ozempic, has seen a surge in demand as patients are using it to treat obesity due to its shared active ingredient with Wegovy. This has resulted in shortages among diabetes patients who rely on Ozempic.
Availability of Wegovy
Wegovy is currently available in the U.S., Denmark, Norway, and Germany. Novo Nordisk has now launched the drug in the U.K., although it will be a controlled and limited rollout.
The drug will be accessible through specialist National Health Service weight management services for individuals who meet specific criteria outlined by the U.K.'s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). It can also be obtained privately through a registered healthcare professional.
In March of this year, NICE recommended the use of Wegovy for adults with at least one weight-related condition and a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or higher. Those with a BMI of 30 to 34.9 may also be eligible.
Novo Nordisk reassures that it is closely monitoring the demand for Wegovy and working with regulators and providers to ensure that individuals living with obesity can access and continue their treatment.
For more information, please visit www.novonordisk.com.
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