Novo Nordisk to ration Ozempic starter kits amid obesity use

Novo Nordisk (NVO) will restrict the provides of starter kits used to manage its diabetes drug Ozempic in Europe as its off-label use for weight problems surges, Reuters reported Tuesday, citing the EU drug regulator and a observe despatched by the corporate to healthcare professionals.

The Danish drugmaker can even restrict the availability of the 0.25-mg beginning dose of Ozempic to prioritize current sufferers on the remedy. The corporate has already used the technique within the U.S., the place the GLP-1 receptor agonist recognized as semaglutide is authorized for weight reduction as Wegovy.

Whereas Ozempic is just not indicated for weight problems, it’s extensively used for weight administration, pressuring already-constrained provides.

“It is strongly recommended to restrict initiations of recent sufferers (on Ozempic) in the course of the scarcity and till the availability scenario improves, which is predicted in Q1 2024,” Novo (NVO) stated.

The corporate can also be reducing the provides of one other diabetes drug known as Victoza to spice up Ozempic manufacturing. Victoza accommodates GLP-1 receptor agonist liraglutide, as its energetic ingredient. “No new sufferers needs to be began on Victoza till no less than Q2 2024 when provide is predicted to normalize,” Novo stated.

In the meantime, the European Medicines Company stated that Ozempic and Victoza shortages will final all through 2024 and till no less than Q2 2024, respectively.