Novo Nordisk US Public Affairs Chief Resigns Amid Rising Drug Price Pressure
Teal Hazel, Novo Nordisk's head of US public affairs, is resigning amid intense pressure over Ozempic and Wegovy pricing. Read more on the impact on lobbying strategy.
The architect of Novo Nordisk's political defense in Washington is stepping down. Teal Hazel, the company's head of US public affairs, will leave her post by the end of January 2026, according to an internal memo obtained by Reuters. Her departure comes at a critical juncture as the pharmaceutical giant faces unprecedented scrutiny over the pricing of its blockbusters Ozempic and Wegovy.
Impact of Novo Nordisk US Public Affairs Chief Resignation
Hazel's exit follows months of intense pressure from lawmakers. Senator Bernie Sanders has been vocal about the price disparity of GLP-1 drugs, noting that Americans pay significantly more than their European counterparts. With the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) empowering Medicare to negotiate prices, Novo Nordisk is losing its top lobbyist just as these negotiations reach a fever pitch.
Navigating the Lobbying Vacuum
While Novo Nordisk hasn't named a successor, the move signals a potential pivot in its engagement strategy with the US government. Hazel had been with the company for four years, steering the ship through a period of record-breaking growth and equally record-breaking political backlash. Analysts are watching whether the next hire will take a more conciliatory or combative tone with regulators.
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