You’ve little question heard of Ozempic but have you ever heard of Wegovy? They’re each brand names of the drug semaglutide, which is currently briefly supply worldwide.
Ozempic is a lower dose of semaglutide, and is approved and used to treat diabetes in Australia. Wegovovy is approved to treat obesity but is just not yet available in Australia. Shortages of each drugs are expected to last throughout 2024.
Both drugs are expensive. But Ozempic is listed on Australia’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Schedule (PBS), so individuals with diabetes can get a three-week supply for A$31.60 ($7.70 for concession card holders) moderately than the total price ($133.80).
Wegovy isn’t listed on the PBS to treat obesity, meaning when it becomes available, users might want to pay the total price. But should the federal government subsidise it?
Wegovy’s manufacturer might want to make the case for it to be added to the PBS to an independent advisory committee. The company will need to point out Wegovy is a protected, clinically effective and cost-effective treatment for obesity in comparison with existing alternatives.
In the meantime, we asked five experts: when supplies resume, should governments subsidise drugs like Ozempic for weight reduction?