Weight-loss jab could be made for $3 a month, study finds

"New research, published as a pre-print, suggests that semaglutide could be mass produced for $3 (about 2.35) for a monthly dose in its injectable form. Newer formulations, taken as a pill rather than an injection, could be made for about $16 a month."

"The researchers also found that core patents on semaglutide were due to expire in 10 countries this year, including Brazil, China, India, South Africa, Turkey, Mexico and Canada from 21 March, opening the way to generic competition. They identified another 150 countries where patents had not been filed, including most of Africa."

"Drugs to treat HIV, TB, malaria and hepatitis are available in low- and middle-income countries for prices close to the cost of production, saving millions of lives while allowing generic companies to make sufficient profit to ensure sustainable supply. We can repeat this medical success story for semaglutide."

Semaglutide, marketed as Wegovy for obesity and Ozempic for diabetes, could be mass-produced at significantly reduced costs according to new research. Injectable formulations could cost $3 monthly, while pill versions would cost approximately $16 monthly. Core patents expire in 10 countries this year, including Brazil, China, India, and South Africa, with 150 additional countries having no patent filings. These 160 countries represent 69% of global type 2 diabetes cases and 84% of obesity cases. The WHO designated semaglutide as essential medicine, but high prices currently limit access. Researchers suggest generic production could replicate successful models used for HIV, TB, malaria, and hepatitis treatments in low- and middle-income countries.

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