Novo Nordisk Launches Wegovy Weight-Loss Injection in the UK Amid Soaring Global Demand

Intelligent Finance APP learned that Novo Nordisk (NVO.US) launched the weight-loss injection Wegovy in the UK on Monday, marking the company's second launch of the drug in Europe in just over a month. Despite struggling to meet surging demand, Novo Nordisk is still seeking to expand its operations in Europe.

The Danish pharmaceutical company said in a statement that Wegovy will be "rolled out in a controlled and limited manner" in the UK.

Due to the surge in demand for Wegovy and the diabetes drug Ozempic, Novo Nordisk's stock price and earnings have hit record highs. Last Friday, Novo Nordisk surpassed LVMH to become the most valuable publicly traded company in Europe.

Wegovy, when combined with exercise and lifestyle changes, can help patients lose approximately 15% of their body weight. It is currently available in the United States, Norway, and Denmark, and will be launched in Germany at the end of July.

Due to the inability to meet the U.S. demand for Wegovy, Novo Nordisk has effectively delayed the launch of Wegovy in most parts of Europe.

Even with increased production, Novo Nordisk is still struggling to keep up with demand. The CEO of Novo Nordisk stated last month that it would take "a considerable amount of time" to meet the entire market.

The company said in a statement: "We are closely monitoring the demand for Wegovy and working with regulators and suppliers to ensure that obese patients can access and continue treatment."

Novo Nordisk's statement pointed out that the drug will be available in the UK National Health Service's weight management program and can also be "privately provided through registered healthcare professionals."

Novo Nordisk did not disclose how much of the drug it will provide in the UK, nor did it reveal the cost of Wegovy in the two treatment options it mentioned. In the US, this medication costs up to $1,350 per month.