What's happened
CVS Health will add Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and Saxenda to its standard formulary starting July 1, excluding Eli Lilly's Zepbound. This shift complicates access for patients relying on Zepbound, while Wegovy will be available at a discounted price for uninsured patients. The move reflects ongoing competition in the obesity medication market.
What's behind the headline?
Market Dynamics
- CVS Health's decision to prioritize Wegovy and Saxenda over Zepbound highlights the competitive landscape in obesity treatments.
- The exclusion of Zepbound from the standard formulary may push patients to switch to Wegovy, which has recently seen a price reduction.
Implications for Patients
- Patients currently using Zepbound may face challenges in accessing their medication, potentially impacting their treatment plans.
- The introduction of a discounted Wegovy price aims to improve accessibility for uninsured patients, but may not fully compensate for the loss of Zepbound coverage.
Future Considerations
- Eli Lilly may need to adjust its pricing strategy to regain formulary access, as competition intensifies.
- The lobbying efforts by Novo Nordisk to regulate unapproved drug versions reflect the ongoing battle for market share and patient safety in the obesity treatment sector.
What the papers say
According to AP News, CVS Health's formulary changes will complicate access to Zepbound, stating that 'most employers wind up using the standard formulary because of the discounts negotiated for them.' Meanwhile, The Independent reports on Novo Nordisk's lobbying efforts to combat unapproved drug versions, emphasizing the risks associated with compounded drugs. The article notes that 'unapproved versions do not undergo FDA’s review for safety, effectiveness and quality before they are marketed.' This highlights the broader context of regulatory challenges and market competition in the obesity medication landscape.
How we got here
The obesity medication market has seen significant changes, particularly with the introduction of GLP-1 receptor agonists like Wegovy and Zepbound. Recent price reductions and formulary adjustments are reshaping access to these drugs amid ongoing shortages and competition.
Go deeper
- What does this mean for patients using Zepbound?
- How will this affect the obesity medication market?
- What are the implications of Novo Nordisk's lobbying efforts?
Common question
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What Are CVS Health's New Drug Coverage Policies and How Do They Affect Patients?
CVS Health is making significant changes to its drug coverage policies, particularly affecting obesity medications. As of July 1, the company will add Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and Saxenda to its formulary while excluding Eli Lilly's Zepbound. This shift raises important questions for patients relying on these medications and those seeking alternatives. Here’s what you need to know.
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Novo Nordisk A/S is a Danish multinational pharmaceutical company headquartered in Bagsværd, with production facilities in nine countries and affiliates or offices in five. Novo Nordisk is controlled by majority shareholder Novo Holdings A/S (wholly owne
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Eli Lilly and Company is an American pharmaceutical company headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, with offices in 18 countries. Its products are sold in approximately 125 countries. The company was founded in 1876 by, and named after, Col. Eli Lilly, a
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.