Dutch Government Faces Dilemma on Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy Coverage

Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk expressed disappointment after a recommendation to the Netherlands government not to cover its weight-loss drug, Wegovy, under basic insurance. The Dutch Health Care Institute questioned the cost-effectiveness and highlighted global ingredient shortages. Around 4 million Dutch citizens are potential beneficiaries.

Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk expressed its disappointment on Wednesday following the recommendation from the Dutch Health Care Institute to the Netherlands government against covering the weight-loss drug, Wegovy, under the country's basic insurance.

On Tuesday, the Dutch Health Care Institute advised the healthcare minister that the health benefits of Wegovy were not clear enough to justify the costs. Despite acknowledging Wegovy's effectiveness for weight loss, the institute called for more research on its long-term health impacts.

Novo Nordisk highlighted that about 4 million people in the Netherlands could benefit from Wegovy, with potential costs to the government rising to 1.3 billion euros ($1.42 billion). The institute also raised concerns about the global shortage of semaglutide, Wegovy's main ingredient, stressing the need to prioritize patients who would benefit the most from the drug.

(With inputs from agencies.)