A new study suggests that blockbuster weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy could be produced far more cheaply than their current retail prices—potentially transforming global access to obesity and diabetes treatments. Researchers analyzing manufacturing costs found that the active ingredient, semaglutide, could be produced for roughly $3 per month in injectable form, with pill versions costing around $16 monthly. Today, the medications often sell for hundreds of dollars per month in many countries, putting them out of reach for millions. The findings come as obesity rates climb worldwide, particularly in lower- and middle-income countries, where treatment options remain limited. Experts say cheaper generic versions could dramatically expand access once patents begin to expire in several markets. Still, researchers caution that medication alone won’t solve the obesity crisis, noting that factors such as poverty, diet, and food systems also play major roles.
The Guardian
