© Mike De Sisti-USA TODAY + © Thomas J. Turney/State Journal-Register / USA TODAY NETWORK
(Washington, DC) – US Senator Bernie Sanders wants to pump… you up! Well, actually, he’d like to see Americans get some help reducing their waist line through the use of drugs. The Independent Vermont senator says for under $100 per month, generic drugmakers could sell an off-brand version of Ozempic.
Over the past year or so, drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy have become popular choices among people seeking a pharmaceutical pathway toward weight loss. On Tuesday, Sanders made his comments about a knockoff version of Ozempic, citing conversations he’s had with drugmakers. Senator Sanders says he’s received “confirmation” the drug could be sold as a cheaper, copycat version.
Ozempic is a diabetes drug that’s been shown to help patients lose weight. It’s made by Novo Nordisk, a pharmaceutical headquartered in Plainsboro Township, New Jersey. Company CEO Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen is scheduled to testify next week in front of a Senate committee chaired by Sanders.
The committee focuses on pricing for the popular drug. If not covered by insurance, a monthly supply of Ozempic currently costs over $900 in the US.
