1. Scrip
  2. >>Business

Biogen CEO Poses Million Dollar Question – Do We Need To Spend On Weight Loss Drugs?

Therapeutic Classes Concept Outdated

 
• By Vibha Ravi

As demand for Wegovy busts through capacity, Biogen’s Viehbacher asks if we need to spend on drugs for weight loss or other preventable diseases when the dollar could go towards non-preventable chronic diseases. Discussing investments at a recent conference, he was joined by Fidelity’s Rajiv Kaul who said the concept of therapeutic classes is outdated

Healthcare Expenditure
Healthcare Expenditure, Investment Were Discussed At A Recent Event • Source: Shutterstock

At a time when demand for anti-obesity drug Wegovy, has busted through recently hiked capacity despite availability in just three markets, Biogen, Inc.’s president and CEO Christopher A Viehbacher, raised a question that might not be to the liking of folks at Novo Nordisk A/S and Eli Lilly and Company.

“Do we need to spend as much as a society on weight loss drugs, when there is another solution, which...

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Scrip for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required
Start Free Trial

Already a subscriber?

More from Business

More from Scrip

Novartis Chief Warns Of Fewer Launches And Drug Withdrawals In Europe

 
• By Kevin Grogan

Reimbursement rules are disincentivizing innovation, according to Vas Narasimhan.

Executives On The Move: Five New CEOs Among This Week’s Changes

Recent moves in the industry include changes at the top at Ascentage Pharma, Inventiva and Brenig Therapeutics, plus five companies get new CFOs.

AI-First, Big Pharma, Chinese Firms In Race - What’s Ahead For PRMT5 Inhibitors

 
• By Vibha Ravi

As AI-driven firms like Insilico, big pharma like J&J, Amgen, GSK and AstraZeneca and Chinese and Indian firms like BeOne and Dr. Reddy’s respectively advance PRMT5 inhibitor candidates, what’s driving interest, what could lead to the first global approval and what are the challenges ahead?