Weight-loss drug Wegovy debuts in UK even as Novo Nordisk struggles with supplies
By Maggie Fick
LONDON (Reuters) — Novo Nordisk (NYSE:NVO) launched its weight-loss injection Wegovy in Britain on Monday, expanding into a second major market in Europe in just over a month even as it struggles to keep up with soaring demand.
The Danish drugmaker said in a statement that the weekly injection would be available in the United Kingdom «through a controlled and limited launch».
Surging demand for Wegovy, and Novo's highly effective diabetes drug Ozempic, have sent the company's shares and earnings to record highs. On Friday it unseated LVMH as Europe's most valuable listed company, ending the French luxury group's 2-1/2 year-long reign at the top.
The shares rose as much as 2.3% in mid-morning trading on Monday to a record high of 1,331 Danish crowns ($193). They have risen by 41% so far this year.
Wegovy, shown to help patients reduce body weight by around 15% when used along with exercise and lifestyle changes, is so far available in the United States, Norway, Denmark, and as of late July, Germany.
Novo's inability to keep up with U.S. demand for Wegovy has effectively delayed the launch in most of Europe.
Reuters reported last week that Wegovy supplies were limited in Germany less than a month after its launch in Europe's largest drug market, highlighting the challenge for Novo's ambitions in Europe.
«We are closely monitoring Wegovy demand and are working with regulators and providers to ensure people living with obesity can have access to and remain on treatment,» Novo said.
The company and Britain's drug cost-effectiveness watchdog NICE declined to comment on how much it would cost.
In an early indication of prices, UK-based online pharmacy chain Simple told Reuters it would charge private patients
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