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Why the Obesity Drug Revolution Is a Work in Progress

GLP-1 weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound are revolutionising obesity treatment and generating billions for their makers, but challenges including high costs, insurance coverage issues, drug shortages, and competition from copycats could impact their widespread success.
Famed for speedy weight loss, Ozempic is having far-reaching consequences.
It remains unclear whether pharma companies can actually deliver on the promise of even better weight-loss drugs — part of the premise behind their high stock prices. (Shutterstock)

A new class of weight-loss drugs known as GLP-1s are proving to be game changers for people with obesity. They’re also minting billions for pharmaceutical companies, especially the companies that developed them, Eli Lilly & Co. and Novo Nordisk A/S. Yet the interest in these miracle drugs has presented some challenges. Not only are insurance companies sometimes balking at paying for the medications, which can cost as much as $16,000 a year, but ongoing shortages have created opportunities for lower-priced copycats. It also remains unclear whether pharma companies can actually deliver on the promise of even better weight-loss drugs — part of the premise behind their high stock prices. Another unknown variable is

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