Novo Nordisk Partners with ADA's Obesity Association to Boost Awareness and Access to Care

In a significant move to address the growing obesity epidemic, Novo Nordisk has announced a multi-year partnership with the American Diabetes Association's (ADA) Obesity Association. This collaboration aims to improve awareness, education, and access to obesity treatments, marking a pivotal step in the pharmaceutical industry's approach to obesity management.

ADA's Obesity Association Gains Powerful Ally

The ADA's Obesity Association, launched just a year ago, has secured Novo Nordisk as a key supporter in its mission to advocate for equitable access to obesity treatments and combat stigma associated with the condition. The partnership involves an undisclosed amount of funding from Novo Nordisk and explores opportunities to enhance awareness, education, and innovative solutions for improved obesity care uptake.

Anna Windle, Ph.D., Senior VP of Clinical Development, Medical and Regulatory Affairs at Novo Nordisk, emphasized the company's commitment: "We believe our responsibility to health goes well beyond the medicines we develop. We are proud to support a holistic approach to the management of obesity that aids health care professionals and empowers individuals with valuable education, tools, and resources."

Addressing the Obesity Care Gap

The collaboration comes at a crucial time, as recent estimates suggest that of the approximately 125 million people living with obesity in the U.S., only 10% seek medical help. The ADA cites societal stigma, biases, and barriers to accessing care as key factors contributing to this significant gap in treatment.

Novo Nordisk, known for its GLP-1 blockbuster Wegovy and its predecessor Saxenda, has been at the forefront of obesity research and care for over 25 years. The company's involvement with the ADA's Obesity Association aligns with its stated "mission to defeat obesity," which includes investigating underlying biological causes, combating stigma, and developing holistic, preventive treatments.

Improving Access and Awareness

As part of its efforts to improve access to obesity treatments, Novo Nordisk has recently taken steps to reduce the out-of-pocket costs for Wegovy. In March, the company began offering a one-month supply to self-paying customers for $499, down from $650 – a significant reduction from the list price of about $1,350 per month. Additionally, until June 30, new self-pay Wegovy customers can receive a month's supply for just $199, a move that coincides with the recent deadline for compounders to cease production of knockoff versions of the drug.

The partnership between Novo Nordisk and the ADA's Obesity Association represents a significant step forward in addressing the complexities of obesity and its related complications. By combining resources and expertise, these organizations aim to drive meaningful change that improves health outcomes for people living with obesity and paves the way for more comprehensive and accessible obesity care in the future.