Its local distributor, Zuellig Pharma Korea, has begun accepting orders for the blockbuster drug, which is delivered via a pre-filled pen injector.
Wegovy was approved by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in April 2023 for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater, or 27 to 30 with at least one weight-related comorbidity.
It received additional approval in July for reducing cardiovascular risks in overweight or obese patients with established cardiovascular disease.
The drug demonstrated superior efficacy in clinical trials, showing about 15 percent weight loss over 68 weeks, compared to its predecessor Saxenda's 7.5 percent over 56 weeks. Both medications belong to the glucagon-like peptide-1 class of treatments.
Wegovy's supply price is reportedly set at 372,025 won ($272) per pen, which contains a four-week dose. As an uninsured product, final retail prices are expected to vary among healthcare providers, potentially reaching 700,000 to 1 million won per pen.
Wegovy gained additional attention when Elon Musk endorsed it in 2022 as his secret to looking "fit, ripped and healthy."
The ministry cautions that even when used at the recommended dosage, potential side effects of Wegovy may include migraines, constipation, hair loss and other symptoms.
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