The initiative has faced legal challenges from the pharmaceutical industry, which argues it is unconstitutional and could deter investment in new medications.

Public sentiment appears to favor expanding the number of drugs subject to negotiations, with over half of respondents considering it a top priority.

Medicare has initiated plans to negotiate prices for significant diabetes and weight loss drugs, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, under the Inflation Reduction Act.

This negotiation will encompass 15 additional drugs, bringing the total under negotiation to 25, which together account for one-third of Medicare's prescription spending.

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra emphasized the importance of these negotiations, highlighting the financial struggles many Medicare recipients face with high prescription costs.

The negotiation program aims to raise public awareness, as a recent poll indicated that 45% of voters were unaware of the law.

The decisions regarding coverage for weight loss drugs will have significant implications for the Medicare program, patients, and Novo Nordisk.

Drugmakers must decide by February 28, 2025, whether to participate in the negotiation program; those who refuse may face significant tax penalties.

The new law allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices was signed by President Joe Biden, reversing previous prohibitions, though it faces opposition from Republicans.

Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic and Wegovy, has filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration, contesting the government's price-setting authority.

This announcement marks the beginning of the second round of a Medicare initiative aimed at lowering prescription drug costs, with final pricing details to be determined by the incoming Trump administration.

Advocacy groups, including AARP, have pledged to oppose any attempts by Congress to weaken the negotiation law, citing the burden of high drug prices on seniors.