Last week, Novo Nordisk faced tough questions from a U.S. Senate panel regarding the high prices of their popular obesity and diabetes medications, Ozempic and Wegovy. The panel criticized the pharmaceutical company for charging significantly more for these drugs in the United States compared to other countries.

Novo Nordisk CEO, Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen, appeared before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee to explain the pricing discrepancy. The committee highlighted that Wegovy costs $137 per month in Germany and $92 in the United Kingdom, while in the U.S., the price skyrockets to $1,349.

Senator Bernie Sanders, the committee chair, expressed frustration over the exorbitant drug prices in the U.S. and pointed fingers at pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) as key players in the pricing issue. PBMs, also known as “middlemen,” are accused of prioritizing profits over patient access by including expensive drugs on their formularies to secure high rebates.

Sanders revealed that major PBMs had pledged to protect access to Ozempic and Wegovy if Novo Nordisk lowered their list prices. However, Jørgensen expressed skepticism, stating that PBMs might remove the drugs from their formularies if prices were reduced.

The discussion also touched on Novo Nordisk’s decision to discontinue the production of Levemir, a long-acting insulin, which raised concerns about patient access to essential medications.

Overall, the Senate panel’s scrutiny of Novo Nordisk’s pricing practices and the influence of PBMs shed light on the complex issues surrounding drug affordability and access in the U.S. The ongoing debate over drug pricing could have significant implications for patients who rely on medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. Stay informed about policy changes and explore patient assistance programs to potentially reduce drug costs.