Spectacular weight loss: strict conditions, no reimbursement… what is Wegovy, the anti-obesity drug launched this Tuesday ?

The Danish laboratory Novo Nordisk announced this Tuesday, October 8, 2024, the launch in France of its flagship drug against obesity, Wegovy. On prescription, not reimbursed… understand everything about this treatment.

Authorized in the European Union since January 2022, this innovative treatment was only available to 8,000 people suffering from severe obesity who had benefited from an exemption.

Since Tuesday, October 8, France has become “the 16th country” to launch this drug: “French patients now have a new option to treat obesity, in addition to improving their diet and increasing their physical activity. Three years ago, there was no treatment,” said Etienne Tichit, Novo Nordisk's general manager in France.

A weight loss of about 15%

The effects of this drug are spectacular. Taking the form of a pre-filled pen to be injected each week, Wegovy promises weight loss of around 15% after 68 weeks, notes the European Medicines Authority (EMA).

In the United States, where obesity is king, 1 in 8 people have already administered this treatment, even pushing back the peak of the disease in the country.

What are the conditions ?

However, this slimming treatment is not accessible to everyone. Its use is reserved for people under 65 years old and suffering from’severe obesity, that is to say with a body mass index greater than 35 kg/m2, according to the framework defined by the health authorities.

Doctors only prescribe it as a second resort, when nutritional support is not effective. Furthermore, Wegovy must be taken in addition to a low-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Furthermore, Wegovy cannot be reimbursed by health insurance, confirmed to Parisienthe French subsidiary of the pharmaceutical group Novo Nordisk.

How much does it cost ?

Since Wegovy is not reimbursed, its price will be free. If pharmacists buy a box of four injections for between 208 and 220 euros, they will be able to sell them for “between 270 and 330 euros per box, including 10% VAT”, estimates Philippe Besset, president of the Federation of Pharmaceutical Unions of France (FSPF).

Novo Nordisk has also calculated that the drug should cost patients between 9 and 12 euros per day.

No possible diversion

It will not be It is also not possible to divert the product for aesthetic purposes, despite the displeasure of influencers such as Ozempic.

To avoid this situation, the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines (ANSM) announced measures to regulate its use on Tuesday. Its committee of experts has decided to restrict the dispensing of this molecule

Its first prescription will only be possible with a doctor specializing in endocrinology, diabetology or nutrition, indicates the "police officer" of the medication. General practitioners will then prescribe the renewal.