WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. Senate Health Committee said on Tuesday it will vote this month on whether to subpoena Novo Nordisk (NYSE:) to answer questions about U.S. prices for weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, which are much higher than their prices in other countries. . countries.
The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, which investigates drug costs, said in a statement that at its June 18 meeting it will consider a subpoena asking Novo Nordisk CEO Doug Langa to testify on July 10. he heard.
“The HELP Committee has repeatedly reached out to Novo Nordisk to request their voluntary attendance at a hearing to discuss why Americans are being charged up to 10 or 15 times more for the same product sold in other countries,” said Senator Bernie. Sanders, who chairs the committee.
“Unfortunately, despite all our efforts, they have repeatedly denied our requests. We look forward to their presence at the hearing on July 10,” he said in the statement.
In April, Sanders sent a letter to Langa requesting more information about US prices for the two drugs.
Novo responded with a letter in May that blamed the US health system for the price hikes. It said it keeps about 60% of the list prices of medicines after rebates and fees paid to intermediaries.
A 2-milligram package of Ozempic carries a list price of $935.77 in the United States, while Wegovy has a list price of $1,349.02 per package, according to the drug manufacturer's website.
