STAT+: Will Novo Nordisk’s slashing of obesity drug prices save patients’ money? It depends

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Source: STAT News

Original: https://www.statnews.com/2026/02/24/novo-nordisk-weight-loss-drug-price-cut-exam...

Published: Tue, 24 Feb 2026 19:41:15 +0000

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has issued a favorable opinion on the higher dosage of Novo Nordisk's obesity treatment.[1][3] In the STEP UP clinical program, obese adults without diabetes achieved an average weight loss of 20.7 percent after 72 weeks of treatment.[1][3] About one-third of patients lost 25 percent or more of their body weight.[1][3] Higher dosage preserves muscle function and cardiovascular benefits.[1] Novo Nordisk's CagriSema achieved a 23 percent weight loss with full adherence in the 84-week REDEFINE 4 study, but fell short of Eli Lilly's tirzepatide (25.5 percent).[2] Novo Nordisk shares fell 11 percent after the results were released.[2] The company anticipates a 5 to 13 percent drop in sales and profit in 2026 due to lower drug prices in the US.[4] The drug Wegovy from Novo Nordisk is available in Slovakia.[5]