Novo Nordisk fined for unethical Falck partnership

Novo Nordisk has been fined 45,000 DKK plus VAT by the Ethical Committee for the Pharmaceutical Industry (Enli) following a partnership with Falck. The collaboration, which began in January, provided patients using the weight-loss medication Wegovy with specialist advice on diet and lifestyle, funded by Novo Nordisk.

The committee determined that the arrangement violated ethical rules regarding financial advantages. Specifically, the ruling stated that the link between prescribing Wegovy and the offer of free patient support could act as a promotional measure, potentially influencing doctors' choices of medication by relieving them of certain patient management tasks. Additionally, the committee raised concerns regarding the exchange of patient data between the companies.

Novo Nordisk has expressed disagreement with the decision but has terminated the partnership.