Novo Nordisk, a leading pharmaceutical company, has recently announced that shortages of their diabetes drugs Ozempic and Victoza are expected to continue in Europe until 2024 due to a surge in demand for these medications, which also aid in weight loss.
The European Medicines Agency published a letter on November 21, revealing that shortages of both Ozempic and Victoza will worsen as the year comes to an end. Notably, intermittent shortages of Ozempic will likely persist until 2024, while Victoza shortages are anticipated to last until at least the second quarter of that year.
The popularity of Ozempic and its weight loss counterpart, Wegovy, has skyrocketed, spurred on by celebrity endorsements and social media fame. Consequently, Novo has struggled to meet the demand for these drugs, making them some of the most sought-after medications worldwide. To address the supply shortage of Ozempic, Novo has temporarily reduced the supply of Victoza, as stated in the letter.
It’s important to note that Novo collaborated with the European Medicines Agency to ensure that healthcare professionals have all the necessary information. Hence, the publication of the letter aims to keep doctors fully informed.
Shortages have been prompted by increased demand for these medications, coupled with manufacturing limitations. Novo clarified in the letter that the shortages were not due to quality defects or safety concerns.
In light of these circumstances, Novo recommended in the letter that new patients should not be initiated on Victoza until at least the second quarter of 2024. The current supplies of Victoza will be prioritized for existing patients. Additionally, Novo is curbing the supply of the 0.25 mg starting dose of Ozempic, advising doctors to restrict the number of new patients starting on the medication until it becomes more readily available in the first quarter of the following year.
Overall, Novo Nordisk’s anticipated shortages of Ozempic and Victoza in Europe until 2024 reflect the high demand for these drugs, driven by their efficacy in treating diabetes and facilitating weight loss. While Novo is working to remedy the supply shortage, it is crucial for healthcare professionals and patients to be aware of the situation.
