France's Bold Move: State Coverage for Breakthrough Obesity Drugs

France will start reimbursing weight-loss drugs for severely obese patients, becoming the first EU nation to do so. These drugs, Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and Eli Lilly's Mounjaro, are part of the anti-obesity treatment boom. The initiative reflects France's commitment to addressing obesity as a public health issue.

France is set to become the first European Union nation to reimburse the cost of weight-loss drugs for severely obese patients, announced Health Minister Stephanie Rist. The medications, Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and Eli Lilly's Mounjaro, have sparked a surge in anti-obesity treatment interest worldwide.

Rist revealed the annual expense for the initiative could reach around €100 million ($116 million) at full deployment. French patients currently pay approximately €300 monthly for these medications. The program targets roughly one million individuals, but treatments will depend on individual cases and medical prescriptions.

The reimbursement under France's social security system will cover the injectable treatments for those with a BMI of 35 plus a comorbidity or a BMI of 40 without any. Drugs will be covered at 65%, though most eligible patients receive full coverage. This move highlights France's proactive stance on public health issues, said Etienne Tichit of Novo Nordisk.