Diabetes medicine’s fame in China leads to shortage; manufacturers struggle to keep up

admin 2023年8月14日

Intermediate

health, health - expert

©MEDPAGETODAY

Pre-reading questions:

I will read each question. Then, please answer them.

What is diabetes?
What do you think will happen if people with diabetes can’t buy their medicines anywhere?

Vocabulary:

I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.

effectiveness /ih-FEK-tiv-nis/

[noun] – the degree to which something is effective
The medication has been praised for its effectiveness in relieving pain and reducing inflammation.

insufficient /in-suh-FISH-uhnt/

[adjective] – not enough
The organization’s insufficient funding hindered their ability to carry out important projects and initiatives.

regulate /REG-yuh-leyt/

[verb] – to control something, especially by making it work in a particular way
The government regulates the use of pesticides in agriculture, ensuring the safety of consumers and the environment.

provider /pruh-VAHY-der /

[noun] – someone who provides something
The childcare provider offers a safe and nurturing environment for children while their parents are at work.

stable /STEY-buhl/

[adjective] – able to continue in a regular and successful way without unexpected changes
The stable relationship between the two neighboring countries fostered peace and cooperation in the region.

Article reading:

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China is currently facing a severe shortage of the widely used diabetes drug Ozempic, causing concern among patients and healthcare professionals. Ozempic, manufactured by Novo Nordisk, is highly valued for its effectiveness in managing blood sugar levels and aiding weight loss in individuals with type 2 diabetes. The shortage is primarily a result of production delays caused by stricter regulations imposed by Chinese authorities on pharmaceutical companies. While these regulations aim to improve drug safety and quality control, they have unintentionally disrupted the supply chain, resulting in insufficient availability of this crucial medication.

Diabetic patients who rely on Ozempic are now encountering difficulties in obtaining the drug. The medication’s unique mechanism of action has made it a preferred option for many individuals struggling with diabetes, as it effectively regulates blood sugar levels while facilitating weight reduction. Novo Nordisk, the Danish pharmaceutical company behind Ozempic, is actively working with Chinese authorities to urgently address the shortage issue. The company is striving to increase production capacity and expedite the regulatory approval process to meet the growing demand for the drug. In the meantime, healthcare providers in China are exploring alternative treatment options and advising patients on suitable alternatives to effectively manage their diabetes. This highlights the importance of maintaining a stable and dependable drug supply chain to ensure uninterrupted access to life-saving medications.

Comprehension questions

I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.

What is the name of the diabetes drug currently facing a shortage in China?
Why is Ozempic highly valued in managing diabetes?
What is causing the shortage of Ozempic in China?
What are the unintended consequences of the stricter regulations on pharmaceutical companies in China?
How are diabetic patients being affected by the shortage of Ozempic?

Discussion questions