Novo Nordisk Sets SUS Wegovy Pilot as Brazil’s Semaglutide Patent Nears Expiry

Overview

• Novo Nordisk has agreements with Grupo Hospitalar Conceição in Porto Alegre and the Instituto Estadual de Diabetes e Endocrinologia in Rio de Janeiro, with a third municipal site to be announced.
• The pilot is slated to begin in the first half of 2026, run for two years with a possible one‑year extension, and proceed via standard public procurement while the company funds staff training and data collection.
• Participating centers will prioritize patients with obesity plus diabetes or cardiovascular disease and integrate psychological, nutritional and physical‑activity support.
• Separately, since March 1 patients with prescriptions listing initial and final doses can receive the 0.25 mg Wegovy starter pen free via the NovoDia program on a limited, stock‑dependent basis, and Rybelsus now has monthly pricing of R$565 online or R$615 in stores with two‑box purchases.
• Anvisa has applications from at least 20 Brazilian manufacturers for semaglutide pens as the patent expires on March 20, so competing products could reach the market after approvals.