Sweden Rejects Subsidy for Obesity Drug Wegovy, Sparking Industry Disappointment

Swedish authorities have refused subsidy for the obesity medication Wegovy, produced by Novo Nordisk. The decision by the Dental and Pharmaceutical Benefits Agency (TLV) means Wegovy will not be included in the high-cost protection scheme that helps patients bear medication expenses. This affects patients with severe obesity and multiple related health conditions who were the target group for the subsidy.

Novo Nordisk applied for the subsidy in December 2024, focusing on individuals with very high BMI and concurrent diseases that increase risk of complications like heart attacks. After months of negotiations between Novo Nordisk, regional bodies, and TLV that began in spring 2025, the agency ultimately denied the application.

Helena Anderin, director of public affairs at Novo Nordisk, expressed strong regret and disappointment over the outcome. She described the decision as a missed chance for Sweden to advance equitable healthcare, particularly given obesity’s status as a major public health challenge.

The denial highlights ongoing debates around access to and affordability of obesity treatments in Sweden’s healthcare system. While the government prioritizes cost-effectiveness and public benefit, this rejection limits options for severely ill patients relying on new pharmaceutical interventions.

As of now, Wegovy remains without subsidy coverage, maintaining high out-of-pocket costs for eligible patients. The decision underscores the complexities faced when balancing innovation, cost, and accessibility in Swedish healthcare policy.