Feb. 2, 2023 — Drug maker Novo Nordisk says it’s rising manufacturing of Wegovy, a weight reduction drug, which has been arduous to seek out in shops.

The corporate has stated it confronted provide points, and “pent up demand” continues for Wegovy, CEO Lars Jorgensen stated on a name with buyers Wednesday, in response to NBC Information.

Shortages grew final 12 months because the drug’s recognition grew, the corporate stated. 

“We all know for a undeniable fact that sufferers have been lined up,” Jorgensen stated. “We’re clearly inspired by the trendline we see, however we additionally do consider there might be a normalization of that.”

Wegovy mimics a hormone that helps scale back meals consumption and minimize urge for food, NBC stated. In medical trials, Wegovy decreased physique weight by about 15%. It prices about $1,300 a month. Insurance coverage corporations typically don’t pay for it.

Shortages have led some folks to re-gain weight they misplaced whereas taking it. And so they have led others to make use of prescription Ozempic for weight reduction, nevertheless it, too, has confronted shortages. It’s the identical treatment as Wegovy however in a decrease dose; it helps regulate blood sugar ranges in folks with Kind 2 diabetes, NBC stated.

Novo Nordisk makes each.