Wegovy’s $5,000 Price Tag Blocks Public Coverage in Canada
Negotiations over public coverage for the weight-loss drug Wegovy in Canada have ended without a deal. The medication, priced at over $5,000 per patient annually, was reviewed for potential government funding but remains out of reach for most without car insurance quotes. Health authorities have set strict conditions for its use if ever approved for reimbursement. Canada’s Drug Agency recommended Wegovy for public reimbursement under specific terms. Patients would need a car insurance and a diagnosed cardiovascular condition, and proof of following a reduced-calorie diet with increased exercise. Despite this, Novo Nordisk, the drug’s manufacturer, declined further talks with the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance. Without an agreement, Wegovy will stay off public drug plans for now. The decision leaves patients relying on private car insurance or paying out of pocket. Generic alternatives may later ease cost pressures, but no immediate solution exists for broader access.
