Saxenda (ingredient: liraglutide), an injectable drug to treat obesity, is winning huge popularity in Korea after arriving in the local market in March.

In just two months after the market release, the demand for Saxenda prescriptions has exceeded the supply.

Several physicians noted that some hospitals might find it difficult to prescribe the popular injection as early as next month. On the internet, rumors are circulating that it takes at least three weeks for a hospital to purchase the drug from a Saxenda salesperson.

“I heard the product would be out of stock next month. Now, I’m adjusting prescriptions for existing and new patients,” said a physician who runs an internal medicine clinic in the office area of Gangnam, southern Seoul. Another doctor operating a clinic in Yeouido, Seoul, also said he was treating only existing patients with Saxenda due to a short supply.

An official at Novo Nordisk, the supplier of Saxenda, said, “We are short of supply, but the product will not go out of stock.”

The official noted that the weight-loss drug ranked No. 1 in the global market.

“Initially, we worried that Korean patients were not comfortable with the idea of getting an injection. However, we ordered the treatments in sufficient quantity,” he said. “In April alone, the drug sales were quicker than expected. So, we made an additional order immediately. It will not be sold out.”

Saxenda is the most expensive weight-loss treatment among similar products. Despite its high price, the number of prescriptions is surging.

Observers attribute a rapid sales growth of Saxenda to its safety, already proven while being used as diabetes treatment for more than 10 years. The drug not only reduces weight but improves blood sugar levels, cholesterol levels, and liver fat levels.

Novo Nordisk initially developed Saxenda as a type-2 diabetes drug under the brand name of Victoza, which has been prescribed for more than 10 years. After discovering that the treatment was effective in reducing weight, the company developed it as an obesity treatment.

Saxenda’s weakest point is the high price. The drug needs a doctor’s prescription and does not benefit from insurance coverage. Each hospital charges the drug at different rates, with the highest price set at 150,000 won ($133.7) per shot.

However, Saxenda has an excellent reputation among physicians because of its proven efficacy.

“Saxender has been already verified has it has been used as a diabetes medicine. Unlike traditional weight-loss drugs, which are psychotropic medicines, Saxenda has less drug rejection,” said Kim Dae-joong, a professor of endocrinology and internal medicine department at Ajou University Hospital. “It is highly priced, but I would recommend it as a doctor, as long as patients do not fear injections. Because we can freely adjust the dose, we have high anticipation for weight management for patients.”

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