A recent study has revealed that semaglutide, a medication commonly used for weight loss under the brand name Wegovy and diabetes treatment under Ozempic, could be manufactured for as little as $3 per month. This breakthrough has the potential to provide critical access to millions suffering from obesity and diabetes across 160 countries, particularly in low- and middle-income nations.
Revolutionising Access to Essential Medicines
In September 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified semaglutide as an essential medicine. However, its high retail price has restricted access, especially in developing regions. Now, new research suggests the drug could be produced at a fraction of its current cost, allowing broader distribution and affordability for those in need.
Dr Andrew Hill from the University of Liverpool, one of the study’s authors, remarked, “These low prices open the door to worldwide access to an essential medicine.” The findings indicate that injectable formulations could be available for about $3 (approximately £2.35) a month, while oral versions might cost around $16 monthly.
Patent Expiry and Its Implications
The research highlights that core patents for semaglutide are set to expire in ten countries this year, including Brazil, China, India, South Africa, Turkey, Mexico, and Canada, beginning on March 21. This opens avenues for generic manufacturers to enter the market. Furthermore, the study identified another 150 countries, predominantly in Africa, where no patents have been filed, which could lead to affordable drug availability in areas where 69% of people with type 2 diabetes and 84% of those living with obesity reside.
Prof François Venter from Witwatersrand University noted the success of affordable treatment options for diseases like HIV and tuberculosis in low and middle-income countries, stating, “We can repeat this medical success story for semaglutide.” The implications for public health are vast, as affordable medication could play a pivotal role in combating the rising obesity epidemic.
Addressing the Root Causes of Obesity
While the potential for lower-cost semaglutide is promising, researchers caution that merely making the drug affordable will not resolve the underlying issues contributing to obesity. Structural factors such as food insecurity, poverty, urbanisation, and the prevalence of unhealthy food environments must also be addressed. Dr Nomathemba Chandiwana, chief scientific officer at South Africa’s Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, emphasised the importance of integrating these medications into comprehensive obesity and diabetes care strategies.
“Cost has been one of the main barriers to access,” Chandiwana said, acknowledging that approximately 27% of adults globally qualify for semaglutide treatment, with many living in regions where access remains severely limited.
The Growing Diabetes Crisis
The global diabetes epidemic is alarming, with the number of diagnosed individuals soaring from 200 million in 1990 to an estimated 830 million in 2022. This surge is particularly pronounced in low- and middle-income countries, where unhealthy diet patterns and sedentary lifestyles are increasingly prevalent. Obesity is linked to numerous health complications, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer, with an estimated 3.7 million deaths each year attributed to excess weight.
Despite its approval by US regulators in 2017, semaglutide remains expensive, costing around $200 per month in the United States and £120 in the UK. Patents in the UK and across Europe will not lapse for another five years, further complicating efforts to make the drug more accessible.
Why it Matters
The findings of this research present a pivotal opportunity to reshape the landscape of diabetes and obesity treatment in low-income countries. By enabling the mass production of semaglutide at significantly reduced prices, we could witness a substantial increase in access to life-saving medications. However, to ensure that these advancements translate into real-world health benefits, there must be a concerted effort to address the broader societal issues that contribute to obesity and diabetes. A holistic approach, combining affordable treatments with effective public health policies, could indeed save millions of lives and reshape global health outcomes for the better.