Pharmac is currently exploring the possibility of funding Wegovy, a medication designed for weight loss, by seeking expert clinical guidance. This decision comes at a crucial time, as New Zealand ranks third among OECD countries for adult obesity rates.
Startlingly, statistics reveal that one in three adults aged 15 and older are categorized as obese, while the situation is equally concerning among children, where one in eight between the ages of 2 to 14 are classified similarly.
Recently, Pharmac received two applications for the funding of Wegovy, known scientifically as semaglutide, which functions as a GLP-1 receptor agonist intended for weight management. The first funding application was submitted in September, targeting individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions, such as those who have previously experienced a heart attack or stroke, requiring a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 27 or higher. The second application came in October, focusing on chronic weight management for individuals with a BMI of 30 or above, accompanied by at least one weight-related health issue.
David Hughes, the director of advice and assessment at Pharmac, shared that the agency anticipates releasing guidance on this matter later this month. He stated, "Our expert advisors will evaluate how effective this medication is compared to other options currently funded, taking into account its implications for individuals, whānau, caregivers, and the overarching health system."
Hughes further noted that Pharmac is also reviewing another application to fund Saxenda, or liraglutide, specifically for individuals with severely high BMIs, and this request is still under evaluation.
In a related development, Australia recently announced that it would subsidize Wegovy after adding it to its equivalent of Pharmac. Reports from ABC confirmed that Australia's Health Minister Mark Butler has committed to including this drug in their Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, targeting patients with established cardiovascular diseases and a BMI of 35 or more. However, no definitive timeline has been provided for this subsidy.
This change in funding could significantly reduce the cost for patients in Australia to AU$25 (NZ$29) per script, or even AU$7.70 (NZ$9) for those holding a concession card, while in New Zealand, the monthly price for Wegovy stands at a staggering $459.99.
Associate Minister of Health David Seymour refrained from commenting on whether Pharmac should approve specific funding but emphasized the need for improved budget proposals from Pharmac. He remarked, "I encourage them to enhance their budget bids for additional funds by considering how investing in new medications could lead to savings for taxpayers in other areas. This paradigm shift could expedite the funding for drugs like this one, but ultimately, the final choice lies with Pharmac."
Dr. Gerard McQuinlan, a specialist in weight loss, shares the belief that funding Wegovy could ultimately result in taxpayer savings over time. He pointed out to RNZ that obesity is linked to more than 200 different diseases, highlighting that the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes is approximately 12 times greater for individuals facing obesity. He cited Ministry of Health figures indicating that the annual cost of Type 2 diabetes to taxpayers amounts to around $2.1 billion. He argued that simply reducing the incidence of one disease, such as diabetes, could yield substantial financial benefits.
Dr. McQuinlan dismissed concerns about a potential shortage arising from the funding of Wegovy, especially with the prospect of a pill version becoming available in New Zealand. He described obesity as a chronic and progressive illness, emphasizing that if not effectively managed through medication, there is a 95 percent likelihood that individuals will regain weight post-treatment. He stated, "We don't want people to lose weight only to stop their medication and see the weight return; typically, they regain even more than they initially lost."
He explained that the issue at hand is not merely one of willpower but rather a hormonal imbalance affecting hunger and appetite regulation. He elaborated, "The problem with obesity is that individuals do not receive the necessary signals indicating they have eaten enough. This vital signal seems to be lost over time."
According to Dr. McQuinlan, Wegovy plays a pivotal role in addressing this issue by acting on the hormone responsible for controlling satiety, ultimately helping individuals achieve a healthier relationship with food.
