Weight-loss jabs such as Wegovy could be made for just $3 a month, according to new analysis, potentially making the treatment available to millions in poorer countries as patents expire.

More than a billion people live with obesity worldwide, with rates rising fast in lower-income nations as they shift to westernised diets and more sedentary lifestyles.

The World Health Organization designated semaglutide – sold to treat obesity under the brand name Wegovy, and diabetes under the brand name Ozempic – as an essential medicine in September last year.

But global health leaders warned at the time that high prices were limiting access.

New research, published as a pre-print, suggests that semaglutide could be mass produced for $3 (about £2.35) for a monthly dose in its injectable form.

Newer formulations, taken as a pill rather than an injection, could be made for about $16 a month.

One of the authors, Dr Andrew Hill of Liverpool University’s pharmacology department, said: “These low prices open the door to worldwide access to an essential medicine.”

The researchers also found that core patents on semaglutide were due to expire in 10 countries this year, including Brazil, China, India, South Africa, Turkey, Mexico and Canada from 21 March, opening the way to generic competition.

They identified another 150 countries where patents had not been filed, including most of Africa. Those 160 countries are home to 69% of people with type 2 diabetes and 84% of those living with obesity.

Another author, Prof François Venter from Witwatersrand University in Johannesburg, said: “Drugs to treat HIV, TB, malaria and hepatitis are available in low- and middle-income countries for prices close to the cost of production, saving millions of lives while allowing generic companies to make sufficient profit to ensure sustainable supply. We can repeat this medical success story for semaglutide.”

The researchers warned that cheaper treatments would not address the structural drivers of obesity, “including food insecurity, poverty, urbanisation and commercial food environments”, and said that coordinated policies and procurement planning would be needed to realise the benefits.

Dr Nomathemba Chandiwana, chief scientific officer at South Africa’s Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, and a specialist in obesity, who was not involved in the study, said: “This could be very significant for South Africa and many African countries and low and middle-income countries [LMICs] at large where cost has been one of the main barriers to access.”

She said analysis suggested about 27% of adults worldwide met the criteria for drugs such as semaglutide “and importantly, most of those live in LMICs where access to these medicines is extremely limited”.

Chandiwana said the key question now was how health systems integrated the drugs responsibly into broader obesity and diabetes care.

Obesity is linked to a host of other health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, stroke and cancer. There are 3.7 million deaths attributed to excess weight each year.

The number of people living with diabetes rose from 200 million in 1990 to 830 million in 2022, with the steepest rises in low- and middle-income countries.

Semaglutide was first approved by US regulators in 2017, and costs about $200 a month in the US and £120 a month in the UK. Patents in Britain continental Europe and the US do not expire for another five years.

The research is based on shipment records of key ingredients from 2024 and 2025, and uses the same methodology that has been used in the past to accurately predict the prices of generic medicines for HIV, hepatitis C and some cancer drugs.

Its findings follow research by Médecins Sans Frontières in 2024, which found that diabetes drugs including semaglutide could be made and sold much more cheaply.

The Guardian

Sharjah, UAE – What began as a frightening medical emergency for a 65-year-old engineer ended with a remarkable recovery, thanks to the rapid diagnosis and coordinated care of specialists at NMC Royal Hospital Sharjah, who were able to restore his sight after he suddenly lost vision in one eye.

The patient arrived at the hospital in distress after experiencing an abrupt loss of vision in his right eye. Concerned that the condition could be related to a stroke or a neurological disorder, the medical team immediately initiated urgent investigations.

He was first evaluated by Dr. Sherif Mohamed Hussien, Neurologist, who ordered an emergency CT scan to determine the underlying cause of the sudden vision loss. While the patient feared a neurological emergency, the scan revealed an unexpected and potentially dangerous condition, a severe sinus infection.

Recognising the urgency of the situation, the patient was promptly referred to Dr. Ricardo Persaud (FRCS), Consultant ENT Surgeon, for further evaluation. During the clinical assessment, doctors observed that although the patient’s eye reflexes remained normal, there was a subtle bulging of the right eye, which raised further concern.

A detailed nasal examination uncovered the root of the problem: large nasal polyps, non-cancerous growths inside the nasal passages, along with a fungal sinus infection that was predominantly affecting the right side. Further analysis revealed that the infected sinuses were located extremely close to the eye and the optic nerve, the critical nerve responsible for transmitting visual signals to the brain.

The inflammation and pressure caused by the infection had begun to compress the optic nerve, leading to the sudden loss of vision.

Emergency Surgery to Protect the Optic Nerve

Given the high risk of permanent vision loss, the medical team decided to proceed with urgent surgical intervention.

The patient underwent Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS), a minimally invasive procedure that allows surgeons to access and treat sinus disease through the nasal passages using a small endoscopic camera. During the procedure, surgeons carefully removed the infected tissue and cleared the obstructed sinus cavities.

While operating, doctors discovered that part of the thin bone separating the sinuses from the eye had already been partially eroded due to the infection, a sign of how advanced the condition had become. Fortunately, the infection had not yet spread directly into the eye, allowing the surgical team to relieve the pressure before irreversible damage occurred.

A Rapid and Remarkable Recovery

The patient began noticing improvement in his vision shortly after the surgery.

At his one-week follow-up appointment, nearly 80 percent of his vision had returned. Over the following weeks, his recovery continued steadily. By the four-week mark, his eyesight had been fully restored, and his sense of smell, which had also been affected by the sinus disease, had returned as well.

A Warning About Hidden Sinus Complications

Although sinus infections and nasal polyps are often considered routine conditions, this case highlights that in rare circumstances they can lead to serious and unexpected complications, including vision loss if left untreated.

Specialists at NMC Royal Hospital Sharjah emphasise that persistent sinus symptoms such as nasal blockage, facial pressure, headaches or changes in vision should never be ignored. Early diagnosis through proper medical evaluation and imaging can prevent complications and protect vital functions like eyesight.

The multidisciplinary team expressed satisfaction with the successful outcome, noting that the case demonstrates the importance of rapid diagnosis, collaboration between specialties, and timely surgical intervention.

The patient, who described the experience as deeply frightening, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses and medical staff at NMC Royal Hospital Sharjah for their swift action and compassionate care.

“I was terrified when I suddenly lost my sight,” he said. “But the doctors acted quickly and explained everything clearly. Thanks to them, I can see again and I’m incredibly grateful.”

From Hospital  to Living Rooms: A Growing Shift Toward Home Healthcare During Ramadan

UAE, Dubai, March 9, 2026

According to SGH Homecare data, medical inquiries have increased by 28–35% during Ramadan compared to non-fasting months, with overall demand rising by 22% compared to Ramadan 2025.

One of the most notable trends this year is a 40% increase in requests for multivitamin and hydration IV drips, as patients seek medical support to manage fatigue, dehydration, and low energy levels following long fasting hours.

Homecare Services  for Ramadan

SGH Dubai’s Homecare program delivers hospital-grade healthcare services directly to patients’ , allowing individuals to receive clinical care without the need to travel to the hospital.

The service portfolio includes:

Doctor-at-Home consultations

Skilled nursing visits

IV therapy and hydration drips

Physiotherapy at home

Lab sample collection and diagnostics

Ultrasound and selected radiology services at home

Dental homecare services

Medication delivery directly to patients’ homes

During Ramadan, the program also offers specialized services designed around fasting schedules, including:

Ramadan Full Body Health Check Packages

Home dental care, allowing patients to receive dental assessment and guidance in the comfort of their homes without the need to visit a clinic during fasting hours

Hydration and multivitamin IV therapy

Easy and scheduled blood sample collection at home

Medication delivery at home, ensuring patients receive prescribed medicines conveniently without the need to travel to pharmacies during fasting hours

These services allow patients to manage their health needs conveniently while maintaining their fasting routines.

Supporting Vulnerable Patient Groups

Healthcare teams report that Ramadan often brings distinct health concerns among specific patient groups.

Cardiac and hypertensive patients frequently require close monitoring of blood pressure and medication adjustments during fasting periods. Homecare visits allow physicians and nurses to track vital signs, perform ECG assessments when required, and ensure treatment compliance.

For elderly patients, families increasingly arrange home nursing visits to monitor hydration levels and reduce risks associated with fatigue, weakness, or dizziness during fasting. Medication delivery at home also helps ensure continuity of treatment for elderly patients who may face mobility challenges.

Meanwhile, working professionals represent a rapidly growing patient group requesting hydration and vitamin IV therapy to maintain energy levels while balancing demanding work schedules during Ramadan.

In addition, home dental care services are seeing increased interest, as patients prefer the convenience of receiving dental consultations and basic assessments at home rather than visiting clinics during fasting hours. This allows patients to address dental discomfort or preventive care needs comfortably without disrupting their Ramadan routines.

Response Time and Integrated Care

SGH Homecare maintains a standard response time of approximately 60 minutes, with availability across major areas of Dubai.

The program is fully integrated with the hospital’s Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system, ensuring seamless coordination with hospital specialists whenever needed.

All services are delivered following JCI-aligned clinical protocols, maintaining the same quality and safety standards as hospital-based care.

SGH Homecare teams are also equipped to support Dubai’s diverse population, with multilingual healthcare professionals able to communicate  ensuring patients receive comfortable and culturally appropriate care.