Pharmac is currently on a quest for clinical insights regarding the potential funding of Wegovy, a weight loss medication that has garnered attention recently. New Zealand faces a significant health challenge, as it ranks third highest among OECD countries in terms of adult obesity rates. Alarmingly, statistics reveal that one in three adults over the age of 15 is classified as obese, alongside one in eight children aged between 2 to 14 years.
In this context, Pharmac has received two formal applications to support the funding of Wegovy, also known by its generic name semaglutide, which functions as a GLP-1 receptor agonist aimed at aiding weight loss. The first application was submitted in September, targeting individuals who have a history of cardiovascular diseases—such as heart attacks or strokes—and possess a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 27 or greater. The second application followed in October, focusing on chronic weight management for those with a BMI of 30 or above and at least one associated weight-related health issue.
David Hughes, the Director of Advice and Assessment at Pharmac, indicated that a decision is anticipated later this month. "Our expert advisors will evaluate the effectiveness of this medication against other currently funded options, while also considering its implications for individuals, families, caregivers, and the broader healthcare system," he explained.
Additionally, Hughes mentioned an ongoing application for the funding of Saxenda, or liraglutide, specifically for individuals with significantly high BMIs, which is still under review. In a separate but related development, Australia has announced that Wegovy will receive subsidies after being added to its version of Pharmac, known as the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Australian Health Minister Mark Butler confirmed that the drug would be available for patients with established cardiovascular diseases and a BMI of 35 or higher, although a specific timeline has yet to be determined.
This decision means that the cost for Australian patients could drop to AU$25 (approximately NZ$29) per prescription, or AU$7.70 (around NZ$9) for holders of concession cards, a noteworthy reduction when considering that Wegovy costs NZ$459.99 per month in New Zealand.
While Associate Minister of Health David Seymour refrained from commenting directly on what Pharmac should prioritize for funding, he expressed a strong desire for them to enhance their budget requests. He encouraged Pharmac to contemplate how investing in new medications might ultimately lead to savings for taxpayers in other areas of healthcare. "This shift could potentially facilitate quicker funding for drugs like Wegovy, although the ultimate decision rests with Pharmac," he remarked.
Weight loss expert Dr. Gerard McQuinlan supports the notion that funding Wegovy could be financially beneficial for taxpayers in the long run. During an interview with RNZ, he highlighted that obesity is linked to more than 200 diseases. Taking Type 2 diabetes as an example, he noted that individuals with obesity are about 12 times more likely to develop this condition. According to the Ministry of Health, Type 2 diabetes costs taxpayers around NZ$2.1 billion annually, making the case for reducing the incidence of just one obesity-related disease quite compelling.
Dr. McQuinlan expressed confidence that funding Wegovy would not result in a shortage of the medication, particularly with the anticipated arrival of a pill form in New Zealand. He emphasized that obesity is a complex, chronic condition that often relapses and progresses, stating that without proper management through medication, there is a staggering 95 percent chance that lost weight will be regained.
"We want to prevent a cycle where individuals lose weight only to stop their medication and subsequently regain even more than they initially lost," he cautioned. "It's crucial to understand that this is not merely a matter of willpower; it's fundamentally a hormonal issue. Hormones play a significant role in regulating hunger, appetite, and the sensation of satiety.
The issue of obesity stems from a disconnect in these signals—the feeling that one has consumed enough food can often be lost. Wegovy works by influencing the hormone responsible for signaling satiety, helping individuals feel fuller and more satisfied after meals."
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