Novo Nordisk CEO Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen has faced criticism from US politicians for the high pricing of the company’s weight-loss and diabetes drugs, Wegovy and Ozempic. At a congressional hearing, Jørgensen defended the prices, citing “structural issues” within the US healthcare system as the reason for the high costs. However, he expressed willingness to negotiate prices if lawmakers ensured drug coverage by insurers.
The US Senate panel, led by Senator Bernie Sanders, urged Novo Nordisk to reduce the list prices of its drugs to make them more affordable for American patients. The high cost of these drugs in the US compared to their prices in other countries was a major point of contention.
Jørgensen highlighted that Novo Nordisk has invested heavily in research, development, and new facilities for obesity-related drugs, which have improved lives and reduced healthcare costs in America. The company’s primary market remains the US, where it has seen significant sales growth driven by demand for diabetes and obesity care products.
The potential for price negotiations in 2027 was mentioned by Wall Street analysts, hinting at a possible price reduction in the future. Novo Nordisk’s recent acquisition of US-based drug maker Catalent and efforts to expand production capacity indicate the company’s commitment to meeting market demand for its popular drugs.
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