Novo Nordisk Announces $6B Investment in Ozempic, Wegovy Amid Shortages

Novo Nordisk, the maker of popular drugs for weight loss, including Ozempic and Wegovy, is investing $6 billion to meet the increased demand for these drugs amid shortages.

Negelle Morris, senior vice president and head of U.S. cardiometabolic sales at Novo Nordisk Inc., spoke to Good Morning America about the topic. Although Morris said the company is investing money into these products, there will still likely be delays in bringing the in-demand drugs to the market.

“It’s not like a light switch,” Morris said in an interview with Good Morning America. “The strategy is to be very mindful and thoughtful about the amount of the lower doses that we’re putting into the market, and I think that over time, the investments that we’re making in manufacturing capabilities will ensure that over time we’re able to meet that demand.”

EXCLUSIVE: Negelle Morris, SVP of drugmaker Nova Nordisk, sat down with @ErielleReshef to talk about the soaring demand of Ozempic and Wegovy, expanding production and bringing down prices. pic.twitter.com/9FZyJ2QAno

— Good Morning America (@GMA) May 2, 2024

Reportedly, the smaller size shots of the drugs are the most in-demand from consumers — these range from 0.25 milligram to 1 milligram, reports The Food and Drug Administration. However, the FDA reveals that some shots are still available. These include Wegovy 1.7mg, 2.4mg, Ozempic 1.34mg, 2.68mg, and 0.68mg. Ozempic is currently available in all dosages, according to the FDA.

Despite the decrease in the smaller shots, Novo Nordisk said in a statement to ABC News the company has enough of its Wegovy product on the market to start 25,000 patients on Wegovy each week.

Semaglutide, the main ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, is FDA-approved for weight loss. The Novomedlink website markets Wegovy as a weight loss drug that should be used in combination with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity to help with obesity. 

Ozempic was initially created for use by diabetes to improve blood sugar in those with type 2 diabetes and to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events. It also suggests keeping a well-balanced diet for the medication to be effective. Finally, Rybelsus is a once-a-day medication that produces the same results as Wegovy and Ozempic. However, it is a pill rather than an injectable.