There's a catch for the new weight loss drug

TikTok weightloss videos were blamed for the short supply of a diabetes drug. Now TGA approval 'legitimises' the drug, experts say.

TikTok weightloss videos were blamed for the short supply of a diabetes drug. Now TGA approval 'legitimises' the drug, experts say.

A new drug has been approved for weight management by the TGA after TikTok videos touting the 'miracle' product were blamed for a global diabetes drug shortage.

Experts say it "legitimises" the drug - a semaglutide - as an effective treatment for the management of obesity.

Yet the drug manufacturer has not confirmed when Wegovy will be available for sale in Australia or how much it will cost.

Diabetes drug Ozempic is sponsored by the same drug company Novo Nordisk and like Wegovy is an injectable semaglutide but at a lower dose. It has been prescribed by GPs and specialists off-label for weight management for some time.

Ozempic has been in very short supply since April due to an “unexpected consumer demand” attributed to this off-label prescription.

In May, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and Novo Nordisk urged doctors to “limit prescribing of semaglutide to people with type 2 diabetes" and called it "essential". By that time, TikTok users had gained thousands of views sharing their #Ozempic weightloss journeys.

In theory, Wegovy would now be prescribed by doctors for weight management instead of Ozempic - when of course, it becomes available. 

Novo Nordisk has now advised the TGA there would be "intermittent availability ... until the end of December 2022". Doctors say there is currently zero supply.

The statement announcing TGA approval of Wegovy, said: "While Ozempic and Wegovy contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide, they have different approved indications and uses, as well as different dosages and devices. As such, Ozempic and Wegovy are not interchangeable."

The Collective for Action on Obesity Director Tiffany Petre said "the listing of Wegovy is proof that semaglutide is effective and safe (for weight management). That’s the TGA stamp".

"This is one of the first times there has been a really effective solution for people who can't simply eat less," she said.

"I think the conversation around Ozmepic is difficult, in that people with obesity are blamed for global supply issues," adding it is "distressing" for those who can't access the drug when there are already "few (drug) options" and "not enough support" for those with obesity.

Head of Endocrinology at Nepean Hospital, Dr Kathryn Williams, said the TGA approval of Wegovy was "talking to the need".

"Pharmacotherapy works in obesity, and its use is directly linked to positive health and well-being outcomes, and that's why people use it. It’s not just because they want to look nice in a swimsuit. That's why doctors were so open to prescribing Ozempic off-label. This (TGA approval) is great because it does legitimise what we were doing."

She added: "TGA approval is great but there's an access issue due to cost, particularly for people at most risk of severe obesity, which is the lower socioeconomic group. We need to make sure that we address this equity issue and improve access to these medications for people with severe and complex obesity who need them most".

Novo Nordisk said they were "working hard to make Wegovy® (semaglutide 2.4mg) available for patients living with obesity as soon as possible. The timing of its availability in Australia is not yet confirmed."

The spokesperson said "Obesity is a serious, chronic, relapsing condition with a high prevalence and a substantial unmet medical need. We understand there is a significant need for medical treatment options for obesity."

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Wegovy for chronic weight management mid-last year.