Affordable Generic Version of Semaglutide Could Revolutionize Obesity and Diabetes Treatment
A groundbreaking anti-obesity and diabetes medication may soon become significantly more affordable, potentially costing as little as $3 per month to manufacture once its patent expires later this month. This development presents a remarkable opportunity to improve health outcomes, particularly in low and middle-income countries.
Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Novo Nordisk’s popular Ozempic and Wegovy treatments, has demonstrated significant efficacy in promoting weight loss among patients. This, in turn, can play a crucial role in managing diabetes and addressing various health issues associated with obesity.
With the impending expiration of its patent in countries like Brazil, China, and India, as well as its absence of patent protection in 150 other nations, semaglutide stands to become more accessible on a global scale.
Researchers from the UK, South Africa, and New Zealand have projected that the generic manufacturing cost of semaglutide could be as low as $3 for a month’s supply, compared to the current market price of around $200 per month in the US.
Dr. Samuel Cross from Imperial College London emphasized the critical impact of obesity and diabetes on health outcomes, citing their associations with conditions like stroke, heart disease, and cancer. He underscored the potential of generic production to make treatment more accessible to millions of individuals.
Given that hundreds of millions of people worldwide suffer from Type 2 diabetes, which can lead to severe complications such as kidney failure and blindness, the availability of affordable semaglutide could be a game-changer in managing these conditions.
Globally, obesity-related complications contribute to 3.7 million deaths annually, highlighting the urgent need for accessible treatments like semaglutide.
The researchers estimated that the majority of individuals with Type 2 diabetes and clinical obesity reside in the 160 countries where semaglutide will not be under patent protection, indicating a significant potential impact on a global scale.
Professor Francois Venter from the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa drew parallels with the success of affordable medications for diseases like HIV, TB, and malaria, suggesting that semaglutide could follow a similar trajectory towards broader accessibility.
Related: Ozempic-Like Drugs Linked With Lower Risk of Substance Addiction
The research findings were published directly by the authors and not in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, underlining the urgency and significance of making semaglutide more affordable and widely available.
© Agence France-Presse
