Novo Nordisk to increase supply of weight-loss drug Wegovy

Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of the weight-loss drug Wegovy, has announced an increase in the drug’s availability in the United States. Supply shortages led to limited access to Wegovy starter doses in May. The company is now enabling more new US patients to begin treatment by doubling the amount of lower-dose strengths of Wegovy. The overall supply will gradually increase throughout 2024. The drug, approved by the FDA in 2021, is taken once a week via self-injection and is designed for chronic weight management. Wegovy contains semaglutide, which is known to help with weight loss when used alongside diet and exercise. The high demand for the drug caused supply shortages, but Novo Nordisk has expanded its supply chain and plans to invest $6.5 billion in production in 2024. However, demand is still expected to exceed supply. Access to Wegovy and other obesity medications is limited by high costs and insufficient insurance coverage. Novo Nordisk has seen significant profits from Wegovy sales, but faces competition from other drugs in the market. Ensuring access to obesity medications for eligible individuals is crucial for sustained weight management.