November 15, 2023 – German regulator BfArM is considering stopping the export of Ozempic as high demand is resulting in a shortage of the drug. Reuters Reports.
The use of the diabetes drug for weight reduction has led to shortages across Europe. Other EU countries have already banned Ozempic exports, says Reuters, and the top of the BfArM says he's discussing a ban with lawmakers.
The BfArM – the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices – is a very powerful medical regulatory authority in Germany.
A high-dose version, Wegovy for weight reduction, has been launched within the United Kingdom, Germany, Norway and Denmark, but has not contributed to demand for Ozempic resulting from production problems at Wegovy.
“We are currently in discussions with lawmakers about what we will do if the current measures and public messages have no effect,” said BfArM President Karl Broich to the magazine “Spiegel”.
“We would then think about imposing an export ban so that enough remains in the country for the patients who need it,” said Broich.
“We need the drug to treat diabetes patients and not as a lifestyle drug,” added Broich.
He said the drug would also reach the United States and other European countries.
Drug marker Novo Nordisk said the industry was unable to maintain up with global demand for weight-loss drugs, although more drugs would eventually come onto the market.
Ozempic is approved for patients with type 2 diabetes. But because it will possibly also result in weight reduction, some doctors prescribe it, resulting in increased demand.
“With supplies running low across Europe and Novo struggling to meet increasing demand, some patients with type 2 diabetes are struggling to find treatment.” Violent pharmaceuticals wrote.