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Novo Nordisk boosts lobbying as it seeks Medicare coverage for obesity drugs on August 22, 2023 at 10:00 am Business News | The Hill
Novo Nordisk, the maker of the weight loss drug Wegovy and diabetes medication Ozempic, went on a federal lobbying spending spree in the first six months of 2023.
The Danish drugmaker is pushing Congress to pass a bill that would nix Medicare restrictions on covering weight management treatments.
Novo Nordisk has hired three new lobbying firms over the past three months, all of which disclosed being solely focused on issues related to obesity and Medicare coverage of anti-obesity drugs.
A 2003 law excludes weight-loss drugs from coverage under Medicare, the federal program that provides health coverage for older Americans. But since the American Medical Association recognized obesity as a disease in 2013, momentum has been building to shift federal policy.
“When Congress created the Medicare Part D drug benefit in 2003 the medical community’s understanding of obesity was in its infancy,” Nicole Ferreira, senior manager of corporate communications at Novo Nordisk, told The Hill in a written statement.
“Since then, the science has advanced, and we have learned obesity is a chronic, treatable disease — not simply a behavioral issue,” Ferreira wrote.
Sens. Tom Carper (D-Del.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and Reps. Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.) and Brad Wenstrup (R-Ohio) reintroduced the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act, which would expand coverage of weight management medication to qualifying Medicare beneficiaries, before the August recess.
Novo Nordisk lobbies up
While the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act has stalled each time it’s been reintroduced over the last decade, drugmakers are capitalizing on several new factors to plead their case.
Public demand for the weight-loss drug is high and initial clinical trials recently suggested Wegovy reduces the risk of serious heart problems.
Qualifying federal employees are also now eligible for anti-obesity medication coverage, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management clarified in January.
“We recognize the progress made in covering anti-obesity medications; our goal is to have all Carriers offer adequate coverage,” the guidance reads.
From January through June 2023, Novo Nordisk spent nearly $2.9 million on federal lobbying for a range of policy issues including obesity drug coverage and the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act, according to federal lobbying data analyzed by the money-in-politics group OpenSecrets.
There are more lobbyists than ever on the Novo Nordisk payroll.
Sixty-three lobbyists, 44 of whom have swung through the so-called “revolving door” between the private sector and the government, registered to lobby on behalf of the drug maker in the first half of 2023, according to OpenSecrets data.
Novo Nordisk had 50 total lobbyists in 2022 and 28 in 2019.
Since the end of June, two new lobbying firms registered three new lobbyists to work on issues related to obesity on behalf of Novo Nordisk.
One of the new lobbyists is Bill Ghent, a member of the Subject Matters government relations team and former chief of staff to Carper, the bill’s lead sponsor. Ghent was Carper’s legislative director when the senator first introduced the bill in 2012.
Ghent did not return The Hill’s request for comment.
Shortages, cost concerns could derail momentum
Questions of cost and supply constraints are clouding the hype surrounding these new drugs.
The demand has not only made it harder for people to access the anti-obesity drug, but also for patients with diabetes to access the medication they need.
Wegovy and Ozempic are both injections that contain semaglutide, although the dosage per pen and regulator-approved uses differentiate the drugs.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Ozempic to treat type 2 diabetes in 2017 and the higher-dose Wegovy for weight loss in 2021.
Although Ozempic has not been approved for weight loss, it’s sometimes prescribed off-label — meaning for a purpose outside the one approved by the FDA — as demand for weight loss drugs soars. But off label usage is often not covered by insurers.
Demand for the drug has also outpaced supply, leading the FDA to note that Wegovy and Ozempic semaglutide injections are “currently in shortage.”
“We understand how frustrating this situation is for the communities we serve and appreciate everyone’s patience as we continue to navigate significant demand for Wegovy,” Ferreira said.
“Please know that our commitment to the obesity community is a long-term one and we are investing significantly to build capacity to meet this increasing demand.”
Could Medicare coverage help pricing?
It’s unclear how expanded Medicare coverage would impact already-high demand.
There’s also an ongoing debate on the cost of covering anti-obesity treatments, as the Congressional Budget Office has yet to officially score the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center estimated that covering new anti-obesity medications for just 10 percent of Medicare beneficiaries could cost the federal program up to $26.8 billion per year and drive up premiums for drug plans.
But a study by the USC Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics found Medicare coverage for obesity treatments could generate up to $245 billion in savings in the first 10 years, in part due to reducing co-morbidities associated with obesity, including heart attack and stroke.
“We’ve had to talk about things as so black and white, as either don’t cover it at all or give it to everybody, and I think that there is a middle ground,” Alison Sexton Ward, a research scientist with a doctorate in applied economics who worked on the study, told The Hill in an interview.
“A lot of this conversation is being lost by the list price,” Ward added.
Wegovy is prohibitively expensive without insurance, with the list price topping $1,300 per month. While most patients won’t pay the full list price after rebates or insurance, prices are up to 10 times higher in the U.S. than in other peer nations, a recent analysis by KFF found.
Many rebates also only apply to users who actually have diabetes.
“Novo Nordisk believes the most effective way for the millions of Americans who need anti-obesity medicines to be able to access and afford them is to ensure these medicines are covered by government and commercial insurance plans,” Ferreira said.
Health trade groups rally behind bill
A constellation of organizations including the American Diabetes Association (ADA), Weight Watchers and the Obesity Action Coalition are backing the bill.
“The ADA urges swift Congressional passage of this legislation so older Americans can access the services and treatment to reduce their risk for obesity and diabetes and improve their health,” said Lisa Murdock, the ADA’s chief advocacy officer, in a written statement.
The National Kidney Foundation, American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics are among the bill’s supporters that reported lobbying work on the bill during the first half of 2023, ahead of its reintroduction.
“Because many private insurance companies model their health benefits to reflect Medicare, the passage of the bipartisan TROA could lead to improved obesity care options for all Americans,” Dr. Rotonya Carr, chair of the AGA Government Affairs Committee, told The Hill in a written statement.
“The AGA fully supports this legislation and has no reservations about expanding obesity care coverage to the millions of Americans who suffer with obesity and its complications,” Carr wrote.
Notably, the pharmaceutical industry association PhRMA has not taken a position or lobbied on the bill.
“We appreciate the focus on helping seniors access the medicines they need. As the treatment paradigm for diseases and conditions advance, it’s critical to ensure Medicare coverage policies evolve as well,” PhRMA spokesperson Nicole Longo told The Hill.
Business, Health Care, Lobbying, Novo Nordisk, ozempic, Tom Carper, wegovy Novo Nordisk, the maker of the weight loss drug Wegovy and diabetes medication Ozempic, went on a federal lobbying spending spree in the first six months of 2023. The Danish drugmaker is pushing Congress to pass a bill that would nix Medicare restrictions on covering weight management treatments. Novo Nordisk has hired three new lobbying…
Sustainability is often spoken about as if it belongs only to scientists, policy experts, or environmental activists. On the Roselyn Omaka Show, Otto Cannon makes the case that it belongs to everyone. His message is both urgent and deeply human: sustainability is not just about the environment, but about creating a world where people, planet, and profit exist in balance.
Cannon’s mission is striking in its scale. He wants to build what he calls a global army of 10 million sustainability leaders—people across industries and communities who choose to think beyond short-term gains and take responsibility for the future they are helping shape.
My biggest mission is to raise a 10 million global army of sustainability leaders.
Otto’s understanding of this work did not begin in a conference room. It began in childhood, shaped by a father who taught him to see the world’s problems as personal assignments. That early influence instilled in him the belief that real leadership means stepping forward, identifying what is broken, and dedicating yourself to fixing it.
That mindset later became deeply personal. In one of the interview’s most emotional moments, Cannon shares how the death of his dog after swallowing a plastic bottle cap changed his life. What might have seemed like an isolated tragedy became, for him, a doorway into a much larger truth: waste is never just waste when it destroys ecosystems, harms wildlife, and threatens the future.
Instead of turning away, he turned pain into action. Through his work, he helped build a recycling company that processed over 10,000 tons of plastic and supported tree-planting efforts that have already reached more than 500,000 trees. His story reflects the broader idea of sustainability leadership, which is commonly framed as the integration of environmental, social, and economic responsibility into real-world decision-making.
What makes Cannon’s perspective especially compelling is the way he challenges common misconceptions. He argues that sustainability is too often boxed into environmental language alone, when in reality it applies to every sector—fashion, construction, energy, transportation, manufacturing, and beyond. This broader understanding aligns with current sustainability leadership thinking, which emphasizes systems, collaboration, and long-term value creation across sectors.
Profit should never come at the expense of people or the planet.
That belief is central to everything Cannon describes. For him, sustainability is not anti-business. It is about designing business, innovation, and progress in a way that does not leave harm behind for future generations. A solution that helps today but creates a deeper problem tomorrow, he argues, is not truly a solution at all.
This is also the thinking behind the Global Sustainability Summit and Awards in London, where Cannon brings together leaders from government, business, and civil society to share ideas, showcase innovation, and inspire action. Cross-sector collaboration is widely recognized as a core part of effective sustainability work, especially when the goal is cultural and systemic change rather than isolated projects.
The power of Cannon’s message lies in its accessibility. He is not calling only on policymakers or executives. He is speaking to creators, founders, farmers, designers, builders, and everyday professionals—anyone who has influence over materials, waste, systems, sourcing, or the choices that shape modern life.
By the end of the conversation, one image lingers: the idea that one person is a drop of water, but many drops together can become a wave. That is the future Otto Cannon is working toward—not a movement powered by one voice, but one built by millions who decide that sustainability is not optional, but necessary.
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GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY SUMMIT RETURNS FOR ITS 5TH EDITION AT THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT – HOUSE OF LORDS, PALACE OF WESTMINSTER
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Theme: “People, Planet, and Profit in the Age of AI and Innovation”
London, United Kingdom — The Global Sustainability Summit (GSS) is officially back for its landmark 5th Edition, continuing its legacy as one of the leading international platforms driving sustainable development, climate action, ethical investment, innovation, and global collaboration.
Convened annually at the prestigious British Parliament, House of Lords, Palace of Westminster, by Ambassador Canon Chinenem Otto, the Summit has, over the last four years, successfully fostered international dialogue and partnerships that have contributed to the advancement of global sustainability goals, the establishment of sustainability-focused ministries, departments and policy structures across national and subnational governments, and the attraction of major investors into sustainable development projects, corporations and emerging economies.
This year’s summit, themed “People, Planet, and Profit in the Age of AI and Innovation,” will explore how emerging technologies, responsible leadership, sustainable finance, innovation, and global partnerships can shape a more inclusive, resilient and environmentally conscious future.
The 5th Edition promises to be the most impactful yet, bringing together world leaders, policymakers, diplomats, investors, academics, innovators, climate experts and youth leaders from across the globe to discuss actionable solutions toward achieving a sustainable and equitable future.
Among the distinguished speakers, delegates and honorees already lined up for the Summit are:
• His Excellency Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq — Executive Governor of Kwara State, Nigeria and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum
• His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Otu — Executive Governor of Cross River State, Nigeria
• Ambassador Patricia Espinosa Cantellano — Former Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Former Foreign Minister of Mexico
• Lord Marvin Rees, Baron Rees of Easton OBE — Member of the House of Lords, United Kingdom
• Hon. Neema K. Lugangira — Secretary-General of Women Political Leaders (WPL), Brussels and Former Member of Parliament
• Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah — President of the Republic of Namibia
• His Excellency Nangolo Mbumba — Former President of Namibia
• Former President of Tanzania
• Her Excellency Ambassador Professor Olufolake AbdulRazaq — First Lady of Kwara State, Nigeria and Chairperson of Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum
• Your Excellency Dr. Dikko Umar Radda, PhD, CON — Executive Governor of Katsina State and Chairman of the Northwest Governors Forum, Nigeria
• Hon. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma — Governor of Khomas Region, Namibia
• H.E. Mr. Veiccoh Nghiwete — High Commissioner of the Republic of Namibia to the United Kingdom
• Her Excellency Ms. Macenje “Che Che” Mazoka — High Commissioner of Zambia to the United Kingdom
• Ms. Danielle Newman — Partner Lead, ICT, World Economic Forum
• Leanne Elliott Young — Co-founder, Institute of Digital Fashion & CommuneEast
• Ms. Chloe Russell — Producer & Presenter, Art, Science and Nature
• Professor Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger — University of Cambridge & University of Waterloo
• Dr. Alexandra R. Harrington — IUCN World Commission on Environmental Law (WCEL)
• Professor Payam Akhavan — Massey College, University of Toronto
• Mr. Mallai C. E. Sathya — President, Dravida Vetri Kazhagam and International Movement for Tamil Culture Asia
The Summit will feature high-level panel discussions, strategic investment conversations, sustainability awards, policy dialogues, innovation showcases, youth engagement sessions and international networking opportunities focused on climate resilience, ethical financing, food-water-energy sustainability, circular economy, artificial intelligence, diplomacy and sustainable development.
Speaking ahead of the Summit, Convener Ambassador Canon Chinenem Otto noted:
“As the world rapidly evolves through artificial intelligence and technological innovation, we must ensure that sustainability remains people-centered, environmentally responsible and economically inclusive. The Global Sustainability Summit continues to serve as a bridge connecting governments, institutions, innovators and investors to accelerate practical sustainability solutions globally. Our fifth edition is not only a celebration of progress made over the years, but also a renewed call for global collaboration and actionable impact toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and Net Zero ambitions.”
The Global Sustainability Summit continues to position itself as a catalyst for transformative partnerships and sustainable global progress, reinforcing the urgent need for collective action toward a more resilient and sustainable future.
More announcements regarding additional speakers, partners and summit activities will be unveiled in the coming weeks.
The Michael Jackson biopic Michael is more than celebrity drama; it is a real-time lesson in how legal decisions can quietly rewrite a story that millions of people will see. You do not need a $200M budget for the same forces—contracts, settlements, and rights issues—to shape or even erase key parts of your own work.
What Happened to Michael
The film Michael originally included a third act that addressed the 1993 child sexual abuse allegations and their impact on Jackson’s life and career. Trade reports say this version showed investigators at Neverland Ranch and dramatized the scandal as a turning point in the story. After cameras rolled, lawyers for the Jackson estate realized there was a clause in the settlement with accuser Jordan Chandler that barred any depiction or mention of him in a movie.
Because of that old agreement, the filmmakers had to remove all references to Chandler and rework the ending so the story stopped years earlier, in the late 1980s at Jackson’s commercial peak.
According to reporting, this meant roughly 22 days of reshoots, costing around 10–15 million dollars and pushing the total budget over 200 million.
Meanwhile, actress Kat Graham confirmed her portrayal of Diana Ross was cut for “legal considerations,” showing how likeness and approval issues can wipe out an entire character even after filming.
For audiences, the result is a movie that intentionally avoids one of the most controversial chapters of Jackson’s life, which some critics argue makes the portrait feel incomplete or selectively curated.
The Hidden Power of Contracts and Rights
The key detail in the Michael story is that a contract signed decades ago could dictate what present-day filmmakers are allowed to show. That settlement clause did not just affect the people who signed it; it effectively controlled the narrative of a big-budget film made years later. This is how legal documents become invisible co-authors: they quietly set boundaries around what your story can and cannot include.
Creators face similar invisible lines with:
- Life-rights and defamation: If you dramatize real people, especially in a negative light, they can claim defamation or invasion of privacy if your portrayal is inaccurate or harmful.
- Copyright and trademarks: Unlicensed music, clips, logos, or artwork can trigger copyright or trademark claims that block distribution or force expensive changes.
- Distribution contracts: Some deals give distributors the right to re-edit, retitle, or repackage your work without your approval unless you negotiate otherwise.
Legal commentary warns that fictionalizing real events and people carries heightened risk because audiences tend to connect your dramatization back to actual individuals. That risk does not disappear just because you are “small” or “indie”; impact, not audience size, usually determines exposure.
Why This Matters for Indie Filmmakers and Creators
Independent filmmakers often choose the indie route precisely to maintain creative control, but they can face more risk if they skip legal planning. Common problems include unclear ownership of the script, missing music licenses, handshake agreements with collaborators, and no written permission to use locations or people’s likenesses. These are the kinds of issues that can derail distribution, block a streaming deal, or force last-minute cuts that fundamentally change your story.
Legal guides for indie filmmakers consistently emphasize a few realities:
- You do not fully “own” your film unless you have clear contracts for writing, directing, producing, and underlying rights.
- Unregistered or unlicensed creative elements (like music and logos) can make your project uninsurable or unattractive to distributors.
- Fixing legal problems after the fact is almost always more expensive and limiting than planning for them at the beginning.
So when you watch Michael skip over certain events, you are seeing, in exaggerated form, the same forces that can shape an indie short, web series, documentary, or podcast episode.
Practical Legal Lessons You Can Apply Now
You do not need a law degree, but you do need a basic legal strategy for your creative work. Here are practical steps drawn from entertainment-law and indie-film resources:
- Clarify who owns the story
- Use written agreements with co-writers, directors, and producers that state who owns the script and finished film.
- If your work is based on a real person or memoir, secure life-rights or written permission where appropriate, especially if the portrayal is sensitive.
- Be intentional with real people and events
- When telling true or inspired-by-true stories, avoid making specific, negative claims about identifiable people unless they are well-documented and legally vetted.
- Change names, details, and circumstances enough that the person is not clearly identifiable if you do not have their cooperation.
- Lock down music and visuals
- Use original scores, licensed tracks, or reputable libraries; never assume you can keep a song just because it is in a rough cut.
- Clear artwork, logos, and recognizable brands, or replace them with generic or custom-designed alternatives.
- Protect yourself in contracts
- When signing any distribution or platform deal, read the clauses about editing, retitling, and marketing carefully; ask for limits or at least consultation rights.
- Include terms that let you reclaim rights if a partner fails to release the work, goes dark, or breaches key promises.
- Document everything
- Keep organized copies of releases, licenses, and contracts; these documents are part of your project’s value and proof of your rights.
- Register your work where applicable (for example, copyright), which strengthens your ability to enforce your rights if someone copies you.
Education-focused legal resources repeatedly stress that preventative steps—basic contracts, clear permissions, and simple registrations—are far cheaper than dealing with takedowns, lawsuits, or forced rewrites later.
The Big Takeaway: Story and Law Are Connected
The Michael biopic illustrates what happens when legal obligations and creative vision collide: whole characters disappear, endings are rewritten, and the public only sees a version of the story that fits within old contracts.
As an indie filmmaker, writer, or content creator, you may not have millions at stake, but you do have something just as valuable—your voice and your ability to tell the story you meant to tell.
Understanding the legal dimensions of your work is not a distraction from creativity; it is a way of protecting it. When you know where the legal boundaries are, you can design stories that are bold, truthful, and still safe enough to reach the audiences they deserve.
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