Weight-loss jab could be made for $3 a month

New analysis finds semaglutide, sold to treat obesity as Wegovy and diabetes as Ozempic, could be mass produced for $3 a month for the injectable form and about $16 a month for newer oral formulations, potentially making the treatment available to millions in poorer countries as patents expire.

The World Health Organization designated semaglutide as an essential medicine in September last year. More than a billion people live with obesity worldwide, with rates rising fast in lower-income nations. The researchers found core patents on semaglutide were due to expire in 10 countries this year, including Brazil, China, India, South Africa, Turkey, Mexico and Canada from 21 March, opening the way to generic competition.

They identified another 150 countries where patents had not been filed, including most of Africa. Those 160 countries are home to 69% of people with type 2 diabetes and 84% of those living with obesity.

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