Regions’ Ozempic subsidy drops after rule change

Regions’ financial contributions to Ozempic, a diabetes medication from Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk, decreased by ten million kroner from November to December following the November 25 adjustment of subsidy rules for GLP-1 analog diabetes medications. The fall, from 51 to 41 million kroner, was welcomed by Danish Regions. A three-step model now dictates that patients must first try cheaper alternatives before being eligible for Ozempic. Mads Duedahl, Deputy Chair of Danish Regions, emphasized the importance of controlling medication costs as the health system is constantly under pressure. Additionally, a price drop in Ozempic contributed to reduced expenses. The revised subsidy regulations were a response to rising numbers of Danes being prescribed Ozempic, with 100,000 receiving subsidies last year, often without trying less expensive options. This put a strain on the regions’ finances, with subsidies amounting to roughly 800 million kroner in 2024, down from nearly 1.3 billion the previous year.