Zhixin Finance learned that the latest drug shortage database released by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the USA on Wednesday showed that all doses of Novo Nordisk's popular weight loss injection Wegovy and diabetes drug Ozempic are now available in the USA. This sign indicates that as demand in the USA market continues to soar, Novo Nordisk's efforts to increase weekly drug supply are beginning to pay off.

Earlier reports stated that the lowest dose of Wegovy (25 milligrams) is still in short supply. Since the beginning of 2022, several doses of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic, have been on the FDA's shortage list. The latest Wednesday's update increases the possibility that the FDA may completely remove this heavyweight injection from the shortage list, potentially preventing compound pharmacies from producing customized, often cheaper branded drugs.

Novo Nordisk said in a statement that all doses of Wegovy and Ozempic will be regularly shipped to wholesalers. The Danish pharmaceutical company stated that the FDA's update is the result of significant investments in expanding production capacity and "ongoing communication" with the agency.

Nevertheless, Novo Nordisk stated that patients may not always be able to get their prescriptions filled immediately at a specific pharmacy, even if a drug is listed as available. Novo Nordisk said: "Our method of gradually increasing supply to the USA market is working. We will continue to prioritize the continuity of patient care, closely monitor market dynamics, and prescription trends."

A week ago, Novo Nordisk requested the FDA to stop compound pharmacies from producing unapproved Wegovy and Ozempic, stating that these drugs are too complex for manufacturers to safely produce.

Earlier this month, the FDA removed tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Lilly's weight loss drug Zepbound and diabetes treatment Mounjaro, from the shortage list. However, a trade organization sued the FDA, leading the agency to announce a reconsideration of its decision to remove tirzepatide from the shortage list.