If you've been following the news on GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, you've likely noticed their manufacturer Novo Nordisk, has a lot to say about the risks of compounded semaglutide. This is all a well-orchestrated assault on the compounded versions of their blockbuster molecule, semaglutide. Known better as Ozempic and Wegovy, semaglutide has propelled Novo Nordisk to one of the wealthiest companies in the world. During the Q3 2024 earnings call, Novo Nordisk went public, sharing that they were aware of 10 deaths and over 100 hospitalizations related to compounded versions of the drug. The takeaway seemed clear: stick to the FDA-approved versions if you value safety. But it’s not quite that simple, and this blatantly selective storytelling raises some real questions.
Novo Nordisk’s anti-compounded semaglutide message may sound like it’s all about protecting patients, but here's the thing—FAERS (the FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System) has records of adverse events and even deaths associated with Novo's branded versions of semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy). In other words, we have the receipts. And while these FAERS reports don’t confirm a direct link to either branded or compound versions, they do show that people taking semaglutide (in any form) did, in fact, die. And the use of the molecule was noted as a possible contributing factor.
Here are the reported numbers from the FAERS database (as of the publishing of this article), for the BRANDED versions of semaglutide, Ozempic and Wegovy, since they hit the market.
The Numbers: What FAERS Tells Us About Ozempic and Wegovy
In the six plus years since Ozempic and Wegovy hit the market, FAERS has recorded 379 deaths associated with these drugs, plus plenty of other serious issues. Novo Nordisk is aware of these reports, of course, but while they’re quick to emphasize the risks of compounded semaglutide, there’s little public acknowledgment of these same concerns when it comes to the branded versions.
To be fair, Novo Nordisk isn’t necessarily hiding these FAERS numbers. They’re publicly available if you know where to look. But most of us don’t spend our free time digging through government databases, so the information often goes unnoticed. This selective emphasis on compounded medications could leave the public with a skewed perspective on the risks associated with GLP-1 drugs in general.
ADVERTISEMENT
FDA-Approved vs. Compounded: Are There Real Differences?
Now, to be clear, there are some valid concerns with compounded medications. These are versions of drugs produced by pharmacies, often at a lower cost, and they don’t undergo the same rigorous testing as FDA-approved drugs. In some cases (especially with semaglutide), the ingredients might differ, or the exact formulation could vary, which can introduce risks. But here’s the twist: compounded medications have filled a gap in access for people who might otherwise be unable to find or afford these treatments. With the costs of branded medications like Ozempic and Wegovy remaining out of reach and insurance coverage often limited, many people are left with few options.
Novo Nordisk’s stance isn’t entirely wrong. They’re correct that compounded versions can pose risks, especially if made with inconsistent ingredients. But to focus solely on compounded drugs and portray them as the lone bad guy while Ozempic is also associated with serious adverse events creates a narrative that feels incomplete, and entirely disingenuous.
Market Pressure or Patient Protection?
To be clear, I am a huge fan of Novo and semaglutide. However, while Novo Nordisk’s stance against compounded medications may be framed as a measure to protect patient safety, there’s also an undeniable commercial interest at play. Compounded versions offer a lower-cost alternative, which could potentially impact sales of FDA-approved options. Even if these alternatives aren’t currently affecting sales, the sheer magnitude of the obesity and type 2 diabetes epidemic gives Novo Nordisk a strong incentive to shape the narrative by highlighting the risks of compounded drugs. This strategy could steer patients back toward branded medications, regardless of affordability or accessibility.
The real question is: if Novo Nordisk is genuinely concerned about safety, shouldn’t they also be more open about the FAERS data on Ozempic and Wegovy? Many patients using GLP-1 medications don’t have access to easy information about risks, and they deserve a transparent picture of the potential issues across the board, not just with the alternatives.
A Call for Balanced Information
In the end, we’re left with a gap between Novo Nordisk’s message about compounded drugs and the reality of Ozempic’s own track record. Patients deserve a fair look at the pros and cons of all available options, especially when it comes to medications that are life-changing—and in some cases, life-saving.
While compounded versions of semaglutide might not be perfect, they’re an option for people who can’t afford the high price of Ozempic or Wegovy. And the risks associated with compounded meds? They’re worth keeping an eye on, absolutely, but so are the risks associated with the FDA-approved options. In a world where the stakes are this high, it’s only fair to hold everyone to the same standard of transparency.
Kommentarer