Senate Grills Novo Nordisk CEO Over High U.S. Prices for Ozempic and Wegovy

Senators demand answers on why the diabetes and weight-loss drugs cost significantly more in the U.S. compared to other countries.

Sen. Bernie Sanders criticized Novo Nordisk for charging Americans up to 20 times more for Ozempic and Wegovy than patients in other countries.
Novo Nordisk CEO Lars Jorgensen blamed pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and insurers for the high prices, stating that they set the final cost for patients.
Sanders announced that major PBMs have pledged not to reduce coverage if Novo Nordisk lowers the list prices of the drugs.
Jorgensen highlighted that the company has invested $30 billion to increase production capacity and reduce costs, and that 80% of insured Americans pay $25 or less for these medications.
The hearing addressed the broader issue of drug pricing in the U.S., with calls for reforming PBM practices and potential Medicare price negotiations for these drugs.