On The Pen: The Weekly Dose 4/30/24

1.7 mg of Wegovy is no longer in shortage:
Semaglutide: FDA website updated to show 1.7 mg of Wegovy is no longer in shortage
Link: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/drugshortages/dsp_ActiveIngredientDetails.cfm?AI=Semaglutide%20Injection&st=c

GNC introduces special section for GLP-1 users:
GNC will have special section for GLP-1 users that will concentrate on four areas: GI Health, Retaining Lean muscle mass, Bone health, Nutritional support
Link: https://www.gnc.com/learn/newsroom/gnc-semaglutide-support-program.html

Identified upper dose values in tirzepatide high-dose trial
20 mg and 25 mg
Primary Completion in this trial is 12/24/2024 (Merry Christmas) with final completion September 30, 2025 
Link:  https://www.onthepen.com/post/higher-doses-of-zepbound-and-mounjaro-being-tested

US Senator Bernie Sanders investigating the price of Wegovy/Ozempic
Ozempic costs $936 per month, while Wegovy costs $1,350
Ozempic costs $155 in Canada, and cost $59 in Germany. This dramatic difference in cost has led to concerns about the accessibility and affordability of these drugs for American patients.
With the cardiovascular disease indication, millions of additional medicare patients are eligible for taking Wegovy which means billions at the current prices 
Link:  https://www.onthepen.com/post/the-price-of-health-bernie-sanders-investigates-ozempic-and-wegovy
Link: https://www.kff.org/medicare/issue-brief/a-new-use-for-wegovy-opens-the-door-to-medicare-coverage-for-millions-of-people-with-obesity/

Germany is promoting their pharmaceuticals industry:
 tax breaks, and speeding up clinical trials
Eli Lilly is investing 2.3 Billion Euros to build a glp-1 manufacturing plant in Germany:
Link: https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/scholz-promises-support-pharma-sector-101833297.html

Lexaria begins phase 1 trial:
Lexaria (stock symbol: LEXX) will test their technology to improve stomach absorption of Rybelsus in phase 1 trial (i.e. wouldn't need large 25/50 mg doses if absorption was better). 
They are also testing under tongue (sublingual) absorption of Rybelsus in another phase 1 trial
Link: https://ir.lexariabioscience.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/246/lexaria-receives-ethics-review-board-approval-to-begin-new

Viking Therapeutics earnings call
Planning to