You’ve little doubt heard of Ozempic, but have you ever heard of Wegovy? Both names are brand names for the drug semaglutide, which is currently briefly supply world wide.
Ozempic is a lower dose of semaglutide and it’s (*5*)approved and used to treat diabetes in Australia. Wegovovy is approved for the treatment of obesity, but shouldn’t be yet available in Australia. Shortages of each drugs are expected to proceed throughout 2024.
Both drugs are expensive. But Ozempic did listed under the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Schedule (PBS), so individuals with diabetes can get a three-week supply for A$31.60 ($7.70 for concession card holders) slightly than the complete price ($133.80).
Wegovy shouldn’t be listed on the PBS as an obesity treatment drug, which implies that when the drug becomes available, users may have to pay the complete price. But should the federal government subsidize it?
The manufacturer of Wegovy may have to justify adding it to PBS to independent advisory committee. The company might want to reveal that Wegovy is a protected, clinically effective and cost-effective treatment for obesity in comparison with existing alternatives.
Meanwhile, we asked five experts: Should governments subsidize weight loss drugs like Ozempic once supplies resume?