British Government Launches Pilot Program For Weight-Loss Shots To Tackle Shortage Of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy - Novo Nordisk (NYSE:NVO)

The British government is set to launch a pilot program to explore the use of new weekly weight-loss shots, such as Novo Nordisk A/S's NVO Wegovy (semaglutide), for obese patients outside of specialized services.
The market launch of the drug remains uncertain.
The pilot program, funded with £40 million ($50 million), Reuters reported, comes in response to a March recommendation by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
NICE suggested using Wegovy for adults with a body mass index of 35 or above, but only within the National Health Service's (NHS) specialist weight management scheme.
The exact timing of Wegovy's launch in Britain is uncertain due to Novo's recent rationing of starter doses to prioritize supply for U.S. patients already on the regimen.
Also Read: Novo Nordisk's Obesity Drug May Find Place On World Health Organization's 'Essential Medicines List.'
The British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, stated that the pilot program for weight loss drugs aims to alleviate pressure on hospitals and support individuals, aligning with the government's priority to reduce NHS waiting lists.
The British government estimates that only 35,000 people will have access to Wegovy, but tens of thousands more could be eligible.
Eli Lilly And Co LLY expressed interest in contributing to the solution once its Mounjaro drug receives approval.
The report added that the two-year pilot would be launched after the new weight loss drugs are available in the U.K.
Price Action: NVO shares are down 1.79% at $157.89 on the last check Wednesday.
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