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Wegovy launches in Australia
The manufacturer assured GPs supply planning has been its priority amid critical Ozempic shortages, but concerns remain over Wegovy’s availability.
The weight loss targeted drug Wegovy has a significantly greater cost to customers than Ozempic.
A new semaglutide drug specifically targeted for weight loss is hitting the Australian market next week for the first time, with manufacturer Novo Nordisk to launch Wegovy on 5 August.
The medication is indicated for chronic weight management for those living with obesity or are overweight with at least one weight-related comorbidity, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.
While welcomed, its launch has been met with concern and some scepticism from GPs amid the worldwide critical shortages of Ozempic.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) last year issued firm advice to GPs to not initiate new patients on Ozempic due to its short supply, and that is showing no signs of easing any time soon.
Chair of RACGP Specific Interests – Obesity Management and dietitian Dr Terri-Lynne South told newsGP it was interesting to see the product enter the market in a time of shortage, but the high price point of Wegovy would likely keep demand low.
‘My understanding is that, of course, the company is trying to increase its factories and manufacturing of semaglutide,’ she said.
‘I think it’s interesting that there is still supply issues, but they’re introducing a new version of it.
‘But the drug company reps that I’ve spoken to have reassured me that they don’t feel that there’s going to be a supply problem, and that’s probably because of the price.’
Novo Nordisk Corporate Vice President and General Manager Cem Ozenc told newsGP significant work has been done to prevent a shortage.
‘The unexpected and overwhelming interest from the public in Ozempic took us by surprise and therefore supply planning for Wegovy has been a priority,’ he said.
‘We have worked hard for two years to ensure a stable supply of Wegovy 2.4mg in Australia.
‘Novo Nordisk has two products containing semaglutide; Ozempic indicated for type 2 diabetes and Wegovy indicated for chronic weight management.
‘It is important that patients are prescribed and use the approved treatment for the right disease to ensure they achieve the best medical outcomes to improve their condition and health.’
But that treatment comes with a price tag.
Novo Nordisk told newsGP the 2.4 mg dosage of Wegovy, which it says is the ‘recommended dose for the most effective results for weight management’, costs $460 per dose.
The 0.25 mg, 0.75 mg, and 1.0 mg cost $260, and the 1.7 mg is $380, with each dose lasting one month.
Chair of RACGP Specific Interests – Diabetes Dr Gary Deed welcomed the announcement but said he had some concern.
‘Finally, a chance to allow people with overweight or obesity that suit the new medication to have availability of supply,’ he told newsGP.
‘What remains, however, is why there appears to be ample supply for Wegovy, the same ingredient, but the Ozempic supply remains compromised until further notice?
‘Also, will Novo Nordisk allow there to be a pricing parity between these products (privately scripted) so as not to further hinder people with chronic weight management issues getting the support they need?’
Dr South said it was good to have another treatment option for the complex chronic condition of obesity but that it raised questions for both obesity and diabetes patients.
‘How do you choose between patient population groups for priority access?’ she said.
Dr South said GPs will continue to have valid concerns about initiating this new drug considering the ongoing nature of treatment and access issues.
‘I think it definitely needs to be taken into consideration that someone is starting this medication for a chronic complex condition, and therefore they’re going to need lifelong management,’ she said.
‘I think a lot of patients don’t necessarily realise that an intervention, from a weight control point of view, isn’t a short-term thing, that it ultimately is for the long term and potentially the rest of their life.
‘So that would be where GPs should have some reasonable discussions with their patients about informed consent that also includes access, cost and expectations about weight loss as well as length of treatment.’
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obesity PBS Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme semaglutide Wegovy weight loss
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