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Recent records reveal that leading pharmaceutical companies have allocated over $3 million for lobbying efforts aimed at curbing the production of copycat weight-loss drugs.
Novo Nordisk, the pharmaceutical company behind Ozempic and Wegovy, has engaged several lobbying firms to influence legislators to adopt stricter measures against firms creating unapproved versions of these medications, as reported by Politico.
Earlier this year, the FDA announced the conclusion of a prolonged shortage of semaglutide (Ozempic), a situation that had led to an influx of counterfeit and unauthorized versions of the drug.
These alternative formulations, categorized as compounded drugs, are described as having potential risks for patients. Since they escape the stringent FDA evaluation regarding safety, efficacy, and quality, their use poses serious concerns, as noted on the agency’s website.
Novo Nordisk has reportedly invested $3 million in lobbying activities during the first quarter of this year, according to an analysis of lobbying records conducted by Politico. Another manufacturer, Eli Lilly, which produces the weight-loss drugs Zepbound and Mounjaro, aligned its spending at the same amount.
Both companies have collaborated with over ten lobbying firms, such as Avoq, Holland and Knight, and Williams and Jensen, in their advocacy efforts, the report indicates.
In a statement provided to The Independent, a representative from Novo Nordisk expressed: “Novo Nordisk has consistently advocated for healthcare system reforms that prioritize patient welfare, and as part of this commitment, we engage in advocacy and stakeholder discussions.”
The spokesperson further emphasized that “Our business practices are fully compliant with existing laws, reflecting our dedication to ethical business conduct.”
Eli Lilly has opted not to comment on the matter.
Following the FDA’s notifications about shortages for Wegovy in March 2022 and for Ozempic in August 2022, it was permissible for compounders to produce these drugs using ingredients from FDA-sanctioned sources.
With the FDA’s recent confirmation that the supply shortage has ended, production of unapproved versions is now barred. However, the FDA is allowing a transition period for compounders to cease operations and for customers to switch their treatments.
An added layer of complexity for these companies and their lobbyists stems from the comments made by Robert F Kennedy Jr, the current Health and Human Services Secretary, who has previously criticized the reliance on weight-loss medications.
In October, Kennedy addressed a study indicating that Ozempic might hold promise in treating various conditions, including drug addiction, sleep apnea, and cognitive impairments. He remarked that drug manufacturers were marketing the medication to Americans, suggesting a negative perception of the public’s intelligence regarding drug use.
To navigate this environment, lobbyists are recalibrating their messaging. “While medicine isn’t a panacea, there are instances where lifestyle changes and diet alone are insufficient to combat chronic ailments like obesity,” noted Shawn O’Neail, a lobbyist for Eli Lilly, in remarks to Politico.
“This is where medical interventions can significantly contribute, complementing a comprehensive approach to chronic disease management.”
Source
finance.yahoo.com