Stocks rise after US proposal to use drugs like Ozempic against obesity

The President of the United States, Joe Biden, has proposed using drugs aimed at treating type 2 diabetes to be part of the fight against obesity, being administered through the Medicare and Medicaid health programs. Both health plans saw an increase in their shares, they already use Ozempic, Mounjaro and other similar medications only for diabetes.

Vision of the proposal and increase in shares

A large supplier and manufacturer of this field of medicine, Novo Nordisk, saw an increase of approximately 3% on the Copenhagen stock exchange at the day's high, ending the day with shares valued at 1.8%.

Another manufacturer called Eli Lilly's, which makes the drug Mounjaro, rose 4.54% at the end of the session.

The White House released a statement on the matter, saying: “In recent years, there have been major scientific advances in the treatment of obesity, with the introduction of new, life-saving medications. These anti-obesity medications can help prevent the development of diabetes type 2”; the authority then ends by explaining that the project would give freedom to Americans, patients or doctors, to determine the best choice for good health without worrying about how to acquire capital to cover the cost of medication and, as a result, reduce how much is spent in the health of the nation.

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_{The drug Ozempic is typically used by diabetic patients, but its use against obesity has been discussed recently (Photo: reproduction/Mario Tama/Getty Images)}

Justification and costs

In the same vein as the explanation, the caveat was made that this type of treatment is still quite expensive and, consequently, inaccessible.

The cost can be US$1,000 (R$5,800) per month when there is no insurance coverage for the medications.

However, if the president's proposal is approved, Medicare coverage could reduce direct purchase costs for these medicines mentioned by up to 95% for certain subscribers.

The company already serves 3.4 million people, it is said that another 4 million will gain access to medicines with the project.

Featured photo: Ozempic Pen (Reproduction/Pinterest/@dailymail)