Sanders Grills Novo Nordisk CEO on Drug Prices

Sen. Bernie Sanders led a Senate Committee hearing grilling Novo Nordisk CEO Lars Jorgensen over the high prices of diabetes and weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy in the U.S. compared to significantly lower prices abroad. Sanders highlighted that while these drugs cost under $100 in many European countries, U.S. prices exceed $1,000 per month. Jorgensen defended the prices, blaming pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and insurers, but committed to exploring ways to reduce costs. Sanders emphasized the moral implications, noting that more affordable prices could save over 40,000 American lives annually. Despite Jorgensen's claims that 80% of insured Americans pay $25 or less, Sanders received assurances from major PBMs that they would not reduce coverage if prices were lowered.