NovoNordisk has launched its hugely popular and pricey weight-loss drug Wegovy in Germany, which is not covered under the country's health insurance plans.
The drug, which helps patientsget rid of body weight by around 15% when used withexercise and lifestyle changes is already in the United States and in small European markets like Norway and Denmark.
German patients have receivedtheir first prescriptions, confirmed a Novo spokesperson on Saturday.
High demand for the drug has been expected in Germany, said doctors and patients, with many of them ready to pay the coststarting at 170 euros ($190) a month which could also rise to more than300 euros, according to Reuters.
However, the law bars public health insurance, which covers about 90% of Germans, from covering weight-loss drugs. But coverage will vary for those who haveprivate health insurance.
The arrival ofWegovy has been welcomed by patientadvocates and physicians as Germany has about18.5% of adults who are obese.
Novo sells the drug foras much as $1,350 a month in the US and will monitor the prescriptions in Germany to make the drug accessible to patients.
Germany's healthcare system does not treatobesity as a chronic disease but rather as alifestyle.