Sanders slams Novo Nordisk for exorbitant drug pricing, demands affordable alternatives

Senator Bernie Sanders has criticized pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk for charging over $900 a month for the diabetes drug Ozempic, which could be sold for less than $100. 

Sanders highlighted the company’s excessive pricing during a panel discussion, noting that the drug costs nearly $1,000 in the US but is as low as $92 in other countries.

Experts estimate that the medication can be manufactured for under $5.

Sanders warned that such high prices could significantly burden the US healthcare system, potentially raising Medicare premiums.

Advocacy group Public Citizen has called for the government to override Novo’s patent monopoly to allow generic versions and save billions in healthcare costs.

The CEO of Novo Nordisk is set to testify before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee next week as pressure mounts to make these essential drugs more affordable for American patients.