Novo Nordisk, manufacturer of Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus (injectable semaglutide for diabetes, obesity and the tablet version, respectively), presents, starting this Monday, the 2nd, new price dynamics for the sales of its medicines. The new policy comes before the patent loss of semaglutide at the end of this month, which will allow other pharmaceutical companies to produce their versions of the drug to control diabetes and obesity.
The pen with an initial dose of 0.25 mg of Wegovy will be free when purchasing another unit. To enjoy the benefit, the same medical prescription must contain both the 0.25 mg version and the treatment dose. According to the pharmaceutical company, the measure aims to support the initiation or adjustment of therapy.
As for oral semaglutide (Rybelsus), the cost of a box of the medicine varies from R$565.00 (through e-commerce) or R$615.00 (in physical stores) to R$844.00 (e-commerce) or R$874.00 (physical stores), depending on the dose (which can be 3mg, 7mg or 14mg). Previously, a box of any portion cost R$1,293.49.
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There are also combos with two boxes of Rybelsus at a discount. In this case, the cost of treatment for two months is R$1,130.00 (e-commerce) or R$1,230 (physical stores), regardless of the dose. Previously, the cost for two months was R$2,586.
Both conditions are valid in accredited pharmacies for a limited time and while stocks last, and the patient must be registered in the NovoDia Program.
“These changes aim to expand access to treatment and allow doctors to adjust the dosage of the medication according to the needs, daily routine and clinical response of each patient, with a more complete approach to the treatment journey and a proposal for financial balance, which is also an important and fundamental part of this path”, says Allan Finkel, general manager of Novo Nordisk.
The patent for semaglutide, both injectable and long-form versions, expires on March 20th. At least 20 companies have already requested Anvisa to register medicines containing semaglutide or liraglutide as the active ingredient. The Ministry of Health has asked the regulatory agency to speed up the analysis of the applications, but it is not yet known whether they will be approved.
When there are more competitors in the sector – which today is mainly dominated by the brands Ozempic/Wegovy (from Novo Nordisk) and Mounjaro (from Eli Lilly) -, including production by national pharmaceutical companies, the expectation is for a drop of around 30% in the price of medicines.
