Sen. Sanders Demands Lower Prices for Diabetes Drugs

The rising popularity of weight loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, which contain semaglutide, has sparked concerns over their high costs and supply shortages. While these drugs are effective, leading to significant weight loss and even potential benefits in reducing opioid overdose risks, their prices have led to Senate hearings where lawmakers, led by Sen. Bernie Sanders, demanded price reductions from Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer. Pharmacy benefit managers have agreed to expand coverage if the prices are lowered, highlighting the tension between drug affordability and accessibility. Despite high demand from patients and endorsements from celebrities, the cost barrier remains significant, potentially impacting millions of patients who need these medications for diabetes and obesity management.