Denmark should stop subsidising Ozempic and other “so-called GLP-1 drugs” for type 2 diabetes patients, and rather pay for cheaper drugs as a preferred first option, a public commission said in a recommendation this week.
Reuters reports that the proposal will be subject to a hearing until 8 October, after which a decision will be made by the Danish Medicines Agency.
In its statement, the commission said that while GLP-1 drugs are significantly more expensive than options, there is no general advantage in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes, and while they should not be the first choice for these patients, exemptions could be made in certain cases.
About 87 400 Danes received subsidised GLP-1 drugs for type 2 diabetes last year, said the medicines agency.
Danish drug maker Novo Nordisk has seen a surge in demand for Ozempic and its sister drug Wegovy, a weight-loss medication based on similar ingredients.
Reuters article – Denmark may halt Ozempic subsidy for type 2 diabetes patients (Open access)
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