AstraZeneca’s CEO, Pascal Soriot, has raised concerns about weight loss drugs potentially causing patients to lose muscle mass along with fat. The cost of these new-generation weight-loss drugs can be as high as $1,350 a month, but a recent study from Yale University reveals that they only cost about $22 to manufacture.
The study also found that life-saving insulin, which can be made for under $250 a year, was being sold for about $420 annually in the United States. This has prompted criticism from Senator Bernie Sanders, who called out the Danish drug company Novo Nordisk for overcharging for their diabetes and weight-loss medications.
Novo Nordisk responded by stating that they are working to make their drugs more affordable and accessible. However, the study’s lead researcher, Melissa Barber, emphasized the need for transparency in drug pricing, highlighting the vast difference between manufacturing costs and retail prices.
Barber’s research revealed that drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy cost between 95 cents and $5.50 to produce per unit, but are sold for much higher prices in the U.S. She pointed out that the high cost of these medications can prevent many patients from being able to afford them, potentially leading to serious health consequences.
As the debate over drug pricing continues, it remains to be seen whether pharmaceutical companies will take steps to make essential medications more affordable for those in need. The issue of access to affordable healthcare is a pressing concern that affects millions of Americans, and the transparency provided by studies like this one may help to drive much-needed change in the industry.
