Novo Nordisk Launches Wegovy in France Without Reimbursement

The costly anti-obesity drug is now available on prescription, leaving patients to bear the financial burden amid ongoing reimbursement negotiations.

Wegovy, Novo Nordisk's anti-obesity medication, is now available in France but not covered by insurance, costing patients between €270 and €360 per month.
The drug is prescribed for individuals under 65 with a BMI of 35 or higher, who have not responded to initial treatment efforts.
Novo Nordisk is awaiting a decision from the French health authorities on reimbursement, expected early next year, after submitting new cardiovascular benefit data.
Wegovy's active ingredient, semaglutide, mimics a hormone to promote insulin secretion and satiety, but requires lifelong use as weight returns once treatment stops.
Concerns about side effects, including abdominal pain and nausea, persist, with some patients discontinuing use due to these issues.