A groundbreaking anti-obesity and diabetes drug is poised for a significant price reduction once its patent expires later this month. Researchers estimate the manufacturing cost for semaglutide, the active ingredient in popular treatments like Ozempic and Wegovy, could drop to as low as $3 per month.
This development presents a major opportunity to improve health outcomes in low and middle-income countries. Semaglutide is known for its substantial weight loss effects and its role in managing diabetes and obesity-related conditions.
Patent protection for semaglutide is ending in key markets including Brazil, China, and India. A study by researchers in Britain, South Africa, and New Zealand calculated the potential generic manufacturing price. The branded version currently sells for approximately $200 per month in the United States.
"If generic production reduces prices to sustainable levels, millions more people could access treatment," stated Dr. Samuel Cross of Imperial College London, a study author. Obesity and diabetes are chronic diseases linked to increased risks of stroke, heart disease, kidney failure, and cancer. Globally, clinical obesity contributes to 3.7 million deaths annually.
Researchers believe the success of affordable HIV, TB, malaria, and hepatitis treatments can be replicated for semaglutide. The study identified 160 countries where the drug will not be under patent, representing a significant portion of the global population affected by Type 2 diabetes and clinical obesity.