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Re:Wegovy and Ozempic (semaglutide) associated with reductio... by philipkglass on Monday June 03, 2024 @01:57PM (#40565331)
I wonder which will happen first: discovery of effective small-molecule drugs in this class, or improvements of peptide manufacturing to the point that cheap generics become possible. There are only 7 years left on the semaglutide patent but its manufacturing is currently so complicated that I don't expect really cheap generics after patent expiration.
Re:Wegovy and Ozempic (semaglutide) associated with reductio... by 0cf8612b2e1e on Monday June 03, 2024 @04:03PM (#40566904)
I am not familiar with the specifics of manufacturing these drugs, but peptide molecules have been synthesized for decades. What makes these special?

Considering the high prices of the marketed product, I would dispute the idea that generic manufacturers will not leap at the chance to get a taste. Even if it is technically complex, they have years to perfect a recipe, get it GMP qualified, and on shelves the day patents expire.

Re:Wegovy and Ozempic (semaglutide) associated with reductio... by vundercind on Monday June 03, 2024 @03:12PM (#40566366)
My understanding is that the manufacturing costs have nothing whatsoever to do with why they’re so expensive. It’s already damn near aspirin-cheap to make.
Re:Wegovy and Ozempic (semaglutide) associated with reductio... by toomuchtodo on Monday June 03, 2024 @03:18PM (#40566436)
Correct, cost is ~$5 for a month supply, and could be made for as low as 89 cents.

https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.3474

https://www.fastcompany.com/91071415/your-1000-per-month-oze...