Affordable Weight Loss: Health Minister Announces Subsidy for Wegovy

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Australians could soon get cheaper access to the popular weight-loss drug Wegovy, with the federal government set to act on advice to list the Ozempic-like medication on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

However, it’s unclear by how much it will be reduced, with Health Minister Mark Butler saying he’s in the process of negotiating the price with the drugmaker Novo Nordisk.

It’s also likely to cost the taxpayer a fair bit.

Butler on Friday confirmed he’d received advice to list the drug on the PBS from an advisory committee and would act soon on the matter.

In a recent statement, a government official emphasized the urgency and significance of negotiating drug prices, particularly for the class of medications known as GLP-1s. Recognized for their remarkable benefits, these drugs are not only pivotal for weight loss but also offer a variety of other health advantages.

Currently, Ozempic, a widely-used GLP-1 semaglutide injection, is available through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for individuals diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. Under the PBS, patients who meet specific criteria can access Ozempic at a reduced cost, lowering the price from a private fee of $134 to an affordable $25 per unit.

The official highlighted the broader implications of drug accessibility, stating, “This is not just a health issue for us. It’s also an equity issue.” He stressed the responsibility of the government to secure a fair price for these essential medications, ensuring that they remain accessible to all who need them.

Nearly 500,000 Australians — almost 2 per cent of the adult population — are using GLP-1, or Ozempic-like medications, for weight loss or medical reasons.

“Right now, more than 400,000 Australians are paying market prices for one of the GLP-1s, and that is as much as $4,000 or $5,000 a year, which is obviously beyond the means of many Australians,” Butler said.

“This is not just a health issue for us. It’s also an equity issue.”

Butler said there is also likely to be a “very big bill for taxpayers”.

“So it’s incumbent on us as the government to negotiate a good price,” he said.

What have doctors and others said about listing?

The body representing GPs — the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) — has welcomed the move, but cautioned that funding for preventative health measures should not be sidelined.

Dr Michael Tam, a member of the RACGP expert committee, said: “It’s not a simple thing. We know these treatments are effective for individuals, but ideally, we want to reduce the burden of obesity from occurring in the first place.”

Dietitians Australia expressed concern that without proper nutritional support, those on such medications could be at risk of malnutrition, loss of muscle and bone mass, and the development of disordered eating.

“Lasting improvements in health are achieved through comprehensive, multidisciplinary care that includes funded access to evidence-based nutrition support before, during and after treatment.”