On Friday, the World Health Organization recommended popular weight-loss drugs for global diabetes and obesity treatment, urging the production of affordable generics for developing nations.
The appetite-suppressing GLP-1 agonists, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, have gained popularity for their significant weight-loss effects.
In 2021, over 3.7 million deaths were linked to overweight and obesity, surpassing deaths from malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV combined, as per WHO data.
However, concerns arise over the high costs of GLP-1 drugs, which exceed $1,000 monthly in the U.S., potentially limiting access in poorer countries where they could save lives.
The WHO added semaglutide, from Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic and Wegovy, and tirzepatide, from Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro, to its essential medicines list for adults globally.
The UN agency encouraged “generic competition to reduce prices,” ensuring these “life-saving” injectables reach those in need.
Andrew Hill of Liverpool University highlighted research indicating that generic semaglutide could be manufactured in India for about $4 monthly.
“We urge (Novo Nordisk) and Eli Lilly to responsibly offer their treatments worldwide at affordable generic prices,” he told AFP.
Semaglutide’s patent will expire in some countries, including Canada, India, and China, next year, potentially boosting generic production.
These GLP-1 drugs, originally for diabetes, show promise for various health issues, including addiction, though they have side effects like nausea.
A recent JAMA study reported that heart patients on these drugs had over a 40% lower risk of hospitalization or premature death.
Currently, one in eight people globally is obese, and in 2022, more than 800 million had diabetes, according to the WHO.
The WHO also added various cancer drugs to its essential medicines list.
