Published29. September 2024, 16:35
slimming syringeOzempic: windfall for Swiss doctors and hospitals
Ozempic, originally developed as a diabetes treatment, has gained immense popularity as a weight loss aid in recent months. The manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, seems eager to capitalize further on this trend, pouring substantial funds into Swiss healthcare.
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Ozempic’s popularity has soared, with a 60 percent increase in sales in 2023 alone.
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Novo Nordisk disbursed nearly five million francs to Swiss doctors and hospitals.
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In Switzerland, health insurance covers Ozempic costs under specific conditions.
Since it became known that the diabetes medication Ozempic also aids in weight loss, its success has been nearly unstoppable: in 2023, according to Danish manufacturer Novo Nordisk, sales of Ozempic increased by an impressive 60 percent, with revenue from this diet injection accounting for almost half of the company’s overall sales.
Novo Nordisk aims to boost the popularity of this injectable treatment based on the antidiabetic drug semaglutide, originally designed for type 2 diabetes management, and is investing significantly to achieve this goal. In Switzerland, almost five million francs were funneled from pharmaceutical companies to doctors, hospitals, and organizations in 2023, as revealed in an analysis by «Blick».
10,000 francs for KiSpi’s chief physician
Of the total 4.9 million francs, Daniel Konrad, the head physician for endocrinology and diabetology at the Zurich Children’s Hospital, received over ten thousand francs last year. The children’s hospital declined to comment on the specifics when approached by the newspaper. However, the hospital asserted that there were no obligations towards Novo Nordisk and no lecture fees were paid, according to the responsible authorities.
Roger Lehmann, the deputy chief physician of the Clinic for Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Clinical Nutrition at the University Hospital of Zurich, received a considerably larger amount from the pharmaceutical company. In 2023, 27,000 francs were allocated from Novo Nordisk to Lehmann. These funds support conference attendance, travel, and accommodation costs.
“I wish the university hospital would pay for the conferences”
Roger Lehmann, deputy chief physician for diabetology at the University Hospital Zurich
In correspondence with “Blick,” Lehmann expressed the necessity of these congresses in order to bring international expertise to Switzerland. “I wish the university hospital would cover the costs of the congresses, but unfortunately, it doesn’t,” he said, explaining the need for funding from the Ozempic manufacturer.
The weight-loss injection first gained attention in the USA, where celebrities lauded the supposed miraculous effects of Ozempic. In the United States, anyone wishing to use the Novo Nordisk drug for weight loss or diabetes treatment has to pay out of pocket.
Health insurance costs of 81 million francs
In Switzerland, the situation is different: costs are covered by health insurance if strict criteria are met, such as being severely overweight or having a weight-related illness. This also indicates its growing popularity: with expenditures amounting to 81.2 million francs, semaglutide injections like Ozempic and Wegovy, also produced by Novo Nordisk, are the most expensive among diabetes medications.
Ozempic: Windfall for Swiss Doctors and Hospitals
Ozempic, developed as a diabetes medication, has been a real hit as a weight loss aid for months. But the manufacturer Novo Nordisk apparently wants even more – and is showering Swiss medicine with money.
The Rise in Popularity of Ozempic
Since it became known that the diabetes drug Ozempic also aids in weight loss, the syrup’s triumph has been almost unstoppable. In 2023, sales of Ozempic skyrocketed with a remarkable 60 percent increase, accounting for nearly half of Novo Nordisk’s total sales.
Financial Incentives for Swiss Medical Professionals
Novo Nordisk aims to boost the popularity of its weight loss injection, based on the antidiabetic drug semaglutide. Reportedly, almost five million Swiss francs were allocated by pharmaceutical companies to Swiss doctors, hospitals, and organizations in 2023.
Distribution of Funds
Among the notable recipients:
- Dr. Daniel Konrad, head physician for endocrinology at Zurich Children’s Hospital, received over 10,000 francs.
- Dr. Roger Lehmann, deputy chief physician at the University Hospital of Zurich, received 27,000 francs for conference-related expenses.
Conference Funding
Roger Lehmann expressed that although the funding from Novo Nordisk supports essential international congresses that enhance expertise in Switzerland, he wishes the university hospital would cover these costs instead.
“I wish the university hospital would pay for the conferences,” states Lehmann, emphasizing the importance of these events.
Health Insurance Coverage in Switzerland
Unlike in the United States, where patients bear the costs of Ozempic for weight loss, health insurance in Switzerland covers the medication under certain criteria. Patients must meet specific conditions, such as being overweight or having related health issues, to qualify for insurance coverage.
Financial Impact of Ozempic on Swiss Health Insurance
In 2023, the overall expenditure on semaglutide injections—both Ozempic and Wegovy—reached 81.2 million francs, underscoring the medication’s dominance as one of the highest costs among diabetes treatments in Switzerland.
Case Studies: Success Stories with Ozempic
Personal Stories
Patients across Switzerland have reported various success stories using Ozempic:
The Mechanism of Ozempic for Weight Loss
Ozempic works by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone, which regulates appetite and glucose levels. When injected, it enhances feelings of fullness, leading to reduced calorie intake over time. This has made it a preferred choice for both diabetic and non-diabetic individuals looking to shed pounds.
Benefits of Ozempic
- Significant weight loss results over time.
- Improves glycemic control in people with type 2 diabetes.
- Reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- Improves overall metabolic health.
Practical Tips for Patients Considering Ozempic
- Consult with a healthcare provider to determine eligibility.
- Maintain a balanced diet to optimize results.
- Incorporate regular physical activity into your routine.
- Monitor blood sugar levels, especially for diabetic patients.
Conclusion on the Impacts of Ozempic in Switzerland
The increasing popularity of Ozempic in the Swiss healthcare system reflects a growing trend toward utilizing medication for weight loss. With substantial financial investments from its manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, Swiss healthcare professionals are seeing both ethical and financial implications of the drug’s success.
