In other news, Novo Nordisk announced the results from its phase 3b STEP UP semaglutide trial today. Specifically, the company said semaglutide 7.2 milligram (mg) injections over a 72-week period resulted in an average weight loss of 20.7%, better than the 17.5% weight loss achieved in a prior trial of semaglutide 2.4 mg injections.

The White House on Friday said Novo Nordisk’s weight-loss drugs Wegovy and Ozempic were among the 15 medications picked for a round of price negotiations with Medicare. The companies do not have to negotiate, but if they don’t, they face fines or the possible end of Medicare reimbursements.

The list includes Novo Nordisk’s blockbuster diabetes injection Ozempic, weight loss shot Wegovy and diabetes pill Rybelsus, which are considered one product.

Federal officials are targeting the blockbuster drugs as part of their ongoing initiative to lower drug costs.

The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released its list of drugs covered under Medicare Part D selected for the second round of the program Jan. 17.

Novo Nordisk said on Friday a late-stage trial with a high-dose version of its weight loss drug semaglutide helped overweight patients lower their weight by 20.7%.

Novo Nordisk's Ozempic and Wegovy, among 15 drugs including Pfizer's Ibrance, will face Medicare price negotiations in 2027, as mandated by the Biden administration's Inflation Reduction Act. The negotiations aim to curb high costs for Medicare beneficiaries,

GLP-1 weight loss drugs, Ozempic and Wegovy, will be targeted in the next round of Medicare price negotiations in 2027, along with 13 other medications. Seana Smith and Brad Smith break down the details on Morning Brief.