Biotech
Wednesday, November 15th, 2023 6:57 pm EDT
Key Points
- Prescription Restrictions: Belgium has introduced stricter rules for prescribing diabetes medications, including Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Victoza, as well as Eli Lilly’s Trulicity and AstraZeneca’s Bydureon. These drugs can now only be prescribed to patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and specific types of obesity.
- Legally Binding Directive: The Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products issued a legally binding directive emphasizing the limited prescription of these medications due to shortages driven by heightened demand for weight loss. The directive aims to address the scarcity of Ozempic, and the restrictions will remain in effect until June 2024.
- Extended Access Criteria: Beyond diabetes patients, individuals with a body mass index (BMI) equal to or exceeding 35, or those with a BMI of 30 or more suffering from at least one weight-related co-morbidity, can access these medications. However, such prescriptions must be made by doctors specializing in endocrinology. The popularity of Ozempic and similar drugs for weight loss has led to increased demand, potentially risking shortages for diabetes patients. Novo Nordisk encourages the use of its products for approved conditions, emphasizing Ozempic’s primary approval for treating type 2 diabetes.
Belgium has implemented stricter rules governing the prescription of Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic and other diabetes medications in response to shortages caused by increased demand for weight loss purposes. The Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products issued a legally binding directive stating that these drugs, including Novo’s Rybelsus and Victoza, as well as Eli Lilly’s Trulicity and AstraZeneca’s Bydureon, can only be prescribed to patients with type 2 diabetes and specific types of obesity.
The directive, effective until June 2024, aims to address the limited availability of Ozempic due to a surge in demand. The use of these medicines is now restricted to diabetes patients and individuals with a body mass index (BMI) equal to or exceeding 35, or those with a BMI of 30 or more suffering from at least one weight-related co-morbidity. However, such prescriptions must come from endocrinology specialists.
Ozempic and similar drugs, known for their side effect of suppressing food cravings, have gained popularity among weight-loss seekers. The restrictions seek to balance this demand with production capacities to prevent shortages for diabetes patients. Novo Nordisk has expressed its support for the approved use of its products, emphasizing Ozempic’s primary approval for type 2 diabetes treatment.
For the full original article, please click here: https://www.financialexpress.com/healthcare/pharma-healthcare/belgium-limits-novos-ozempic-to-diabetes-obesity-patients/3307365/
