The global pharmaceutical landscape sees diverging paths in the availability of the popular diabetes medication Ozempic (semaglutide), with the United States declaring an end to shortages while Australia continues to face supply constraints.
U.S. Supply Stabilizes as FDA Declares Shortage Over
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially announced that the shortage of Ozempic and Wegovy has ended, with manufacturer Novo Nordisk now meeting or exceeding current and projected nationwide demand. The company reports continuous shipping of all doses, supported by 24/7 production operations.
"We are pleased the FDA has declared that supply of the only real, FDA-approved semaglutide medicines is resolved," stated Dave Moore, Executive Vice President of U.S. Operations and Global Business Development at Novo Nordisk Inc. "No one should have to compromise their health due to misinformation and reach for fake or illegitimate knockoff drugs that pose significant safety risks to patients."
However, the FDA's declaration has faced criticism, with lawsuits filed by trade associates and compounders challenging what they claim is an overreliance on manufacturer assurances without considering evidence of ongoing patient access difficulties.
Australian Supply Challenges Persist
In contrast to the U.S. situation, Australian patients face continued limited access to Ozempic. Novo Nordisk has informed the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) that supply constraints will persist until December 31, 2025, citing "continued, unprecedented demand for Ozempic in Australia and around the world."
The company has made substantial investments to address the global supply shortage, committing over 41 billion AUD to expand manufacturing capacity since 2023. However, a Novo Nordisk spokesperson emphasized that building adequate supply levels to meet global and local demand requires significant time.
Regulatory Guidance and Patient Management
The TGA has issued specific guidance for healthcare providers during the ongoing shortage:
- Pharmacists should inform patients about expected supply limitations through 2025
- Alternative treatment options should be discussed when Ozempic is unavailable
- Both Ozempic and Wegovy must be prescribed within their approved indications
- Healthcare providers should monitor stock availability and be aware that sudden demand spikes or off-label use may affect continuity of care
PBS Coverage and Future Accessibility
While Ozempic is currently PBS-subsidized for type 2 diabetes management, no GLP-1 receptor agonists indicated for weight loss are subsidized under the PBS. This leaves Australian patients using Wegovy for weight management facing out-of-pocket costs between $250-500 monthly.
Novo Nordisk plans to resubmit an application to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) in 2025, following previous rejections of submissions for severe obesity indications. The company aims to incorporate the drug's new TGA indication for cardiovascular disease in their upcoming submission.
The situation highlights the complex challenges in managing global pharmaceutical supply chains and balancing patient access with regulatory requirements and healthcare system resources.
