Health and Me

Ishita Roy

Wegovy To Be Subsidized For Australians With Severe Obesity, Says Health Minister

Popular <span>weight loss drugs</span> have now dominated the market, especially with the US lowering its prices. In a new move, Australia now too will see, what many are calling a 'massive' reduction in the priced of Wegovy, another popular weight loss drug like Ozempic. The weight loss medicine will be subsidized, as it is set to be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme of Australia, or the PBS. This is for the patients with 'severe' obesity and cardiovascular diseases, which will save them thousands of dollars. However, the government warns that it will lump taxpayers with a 'very big bill'. 

Health Minister Mark Butler noted that this weight loss drug will be available on the PBS for patients with an "established cardiovascular disease", which means someone who has had a heart attack or stroke, and has a BMI of 35 or higher, recommended by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) late last year. 

Wegovy is a glucagon-like peptide-1 or GLP-1 medication, like Ozempic, which helps to suppress the individual's appetite, thus leading to weight loss. On Friday, as reported by ABC News, Butler said, "Right now, more than 400,000 Australians are paying market prices for one of the GLP-1s, and that is as much as $4,000 or $5,000 a year, which is obviously beyond the means of many Australians." Butler said that this is not "just a health issue for us, it is also an equity issue". 

As per 2022 data, around 13 per cent of Australian adults live with “severe obesity,” defined as having a BMI of 35 or higher.

There is no confirmed timeline for when the drug will be added to the PBS, but once listed, eligible patients are expected to see a sharp drop in costs. From January 1, PBS medicines have been capped at $25 per prescription, or $7.70 for concession card holders.

However, Health Minister Mark Butler acknowledged that subsidising the drug would place a “very large financial burden” on taxpayers. His office declined to provide even an estimated cost, saying clearer figures would emerge once price negotiations with manufacturer Novo Nordisk begin.

In advice released in December, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) warned of a “significant risk” that people who do not meet both eligibility criteria—especially those meeting only one—may still seek subsidized access. To manage potential costs, the committee recommended a risk-sharing arrangement with the company.

Currently, Ozempic is the only weight loss drug available on the PBS for patients with type 2 diabetes, which is what GLP-1 medications were originally in the market for. 

Dr Mark Mellor, the lead clinician at Perth Weight Clinic told ABC News that the criteria to avail the medicines were "deliberately narrow" to avoid a cost blow out. 

Dr Mellor said the medication is especially effective for the two identified groups because it not only aids weight loss but also helps reduce the risk of future cardiovascular problems, potentially saving lives.

“The goal is to prevent another cardiovascular event or death from heart disease,” he said, adding that providing treatment to those who are eligible and willing “simply makes sense.”

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Popular weight loss drugs have now dominated the market, especially with the US lowering its prices. In a new move, Australia now too will see, what many are calling a 'massive' reduction in the priced of Wegovy, another popular weight loss drug like Ozempic. The weight loss medicine will be subsidized, as it is set to be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme of Australia, or the PBS. This is for the patients with 'severe' obesity and cardiovascular diseases, which will save them thousands of dollars. However, the government warns that it will lump taxpayers with a 'very big bill'. Health Minister Mark Butler noted that this weight loss drug will be available on the PBS for patients with an "established cardiovascular disease", which means someone who has had a heart attack or stroke, and has a BMI of 35 or higher, recommended by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) late last year. What Is Wegovy?Wegovy is a glucagon-like peptide-1 or GLP-1 medication, like Ozempic, which helps to suppress the individual's appetite, thus leading to weight loss. On Friday, as reported by ABC News, Butler said, "Right now, more than 400,000 Australians are paying market prices for one of the GLP-1s, and that is as much as $4,000 or $5,000 a year, which is obviously beyond the means of many Australians." Butler said that this is not "just a health issue for us, it is also an equity issue". Obesity Issue In AustraliaAs per 2022 data, around 13 per cent of Australian adults live with “severe obesity,” defined as having a BMI of 35 or higher.There is no confirmed timeline for when the drug will be added to the PBS, but once listed, eligible patients are expected to see a sharp drop in costs. From January 1, PBS medicines have been capped at $25 per prescription, or $7.70 for concession card holders.However, Health Minister Mark Butler acknowledged that subsidising the drug would place a “very large financial burden” on taxpayers. His office declined to provide even an estimated cost, saying clearer figures would emerge once price negotiations with manufacturer Novo Nordisk begin.In advice released in December, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) warned of a “significant risk” that people who do not meet both eligibility criteria—especially those meeting only one—may still seek subsidized access. To manage potential costs, the committee recommended a risk-sharing arrangement with the company.Currently, Ozempic is the only weight loss drug available on the PBS for patients with type 2 diabetes, which is what GLP-1 medications were originally in the market for. What Are The Experts Saying?Dr Mark Mellor, the lead clinician at Perth Weight Clinic told ABC News that the criteria to avail the medicines were "deliberately narrow" to avoid a cost blow out. Dr Mellor said the medication is especially effective for the two identified groups because it not only aids weight loss but also helps reduce the risk of future cardiovascular problems, potentially saving lives.“The goal is to prevent another cardiovascular event or death from heart disease,” he said, adding that providing treatment to those who are eligible and willing “simply makes sense.”