Although new weight-loss drugs such as Wegovy and Ozempic are effective, they also are prohibitively expensive. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., wants to know why. He demanded answers in a recent letter to the CEO of Novo Nordisk, which manufactures the two drugs.

"The scientists at Novo Nordisk deserve great credit for developing these drugs that have the potential to be a gamechanger for millions of Americans struggling with type 2 diabetes and obesity," wrote Sanders, chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. "As important as these drugs are, they will not do any good for the millions of patients who cannot afford them. Further, if the prices for these products are not substantially reduced, they have the potential to bankrupt Medicare, Medicaid and our entire health-care system. The United States Congress and the federal government cannot allow that to happen."