Weight-loss jab could be made for $3 a month, study finds
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A new study suggests that weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic, containing semaglutide, could be manufactured for approximately $3 per month, potentially increasing accessibility in lower-income countries. Researchers found that core patents for semaglutide are expiring in several countries this year, opening the door for generic competition. They also identified 150 countries, largely in Africa, where patents were never filed. This could significantly impact access, as these countries are home to a large percentage of people with type 2 diabetes and obesity. While cheaper treatments are promising, researchers emphasize that broader policies addressing structural drivers of obesity are still needed to realize the full benefit.
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AI-ExtractedSemaglutide was designated as an essential medicine by the World Health Organization in September last year.
About 27% of adults worldwide meet the criteria for drugs such as semaglutide.
Weight-loss jabs such as Wegovy and Ozempic could be made for just $3 a month.
Core patents on semaglutide were due to expire in 10 countries this year.
These low prices open the door to worldwide access to an essential medicine.
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