What’s Behind the Medicine? A Closer Look at the Ethics of Making Wegovy

When we talk about medications like Wegovy, the focus is usually on how well they work—how much weight people lose, how long results last, what side effects to expect. But behind the science and outcomes lies a more foundational question: Is it being made responsibly?

Pharmaceutical manufacturing isn’t just a technical process. It’s also an ethical one—touching on how materials are sourced, how workers are treated, and how companies hold themselves accountable to people and the planet. With Wegovy becoming a widely used treatment for chronic weight management, it’s worth taking a step back to ask: what are the ethical practices behind the scenes?

Where It All Begins: Sourcing Raw Materials Ethically

Every medication starts with raw ingredients, and how those ingredients are sourced matters—ethically, environmentally, and socially.

Novo Nordisk, the company behind Wegovy, has made public commitments to responsible sourcing. This includes vetting suppliers for compliance with ethical labor practices, environmental impact, and broader human rights considerations.

The company adheres to the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Initiative (PSCI) principles, a global standard for responsible sourcing in pharma. These guidelines address not only quality and safety but also issues like forced labor, working hours, and environmental practices.

Novo Nordisk has also worked toward greater supply chain transparency, though some critics argue there’s still room for improvement—particularly when it comes to disclosing the origins of certain chemicals and biologics used in active ingredients.

Sustainability and ethics often overlap in this space. Choosing suppliers that minimise harm to both people and ecosystems is becoming a larger part of how companies are evaluated—not just by regulators, but by the public.

What Happens Inside the Factories: Labor and Production Ethics

Once raw materials are in hand, the next phase is manufacturing—a process that takes place across a global network of facilities and partners. Here, ethical concerns shift toward working conditions, safety standards, and labor rights.

Novo Nordisk has made fair labor practices a part of its global code of conduct. This includes commitments to:

• Safe working environments in all production facilities.

  
  

• Non-discrimination policies in hiring and promotion.

  
  

• No use of child or forced labor, in line with international labor laws.

  
  

• Monitoring third-party manufacturers for compliance with these standards.

  
  

The company’s Code of Conduct applies not only to direct employees but also to suppliers and contractors. Internal audits, supplier scorecards, and training programs are used to track compliance—though full transparency on audit outcomes isn’t always publicly available.

Labor rights advocates acknowledge that Novo Nordisk has a relatively strong track record in this area compared to others in the pharmaceutical industry. Still, some raise concerns about whether third-party subcontractors always meet the same standards—especially in regions with looser enforcement.

It’s an ongoing challenge across the sector: keeping ethical promises consistent, even when operations stretch across borders and legal systems.

What the Experts Say

When asked about Novo Nordisk’s approach to ethics, experts tend to agree that the company is “doing more than most”—but they’re also quick to point out the complexity of measuring ethical performance at scale.

“Ethical manufacturing isn’t just about checking boxes,” says Dr. Leah Morgan, a bioethicist who consults with global health organisations. “It’s about whether companies are willing to take a financial hit in the short term to protect workers, reduce harm, and increase transparency. Novo Nordisk is ahead of many peers, but the bar is still low across much of the industry.”

Labor rights researcher Malik Osseni adds that true accountability means more than internal monitoring. “Third-party audits and whistleblower protections are essential. If workers can’t report problems safely, we never really know what’s happening.”

Compared to some large pharmaceutical companies, Novo Nordisk ranks relatively high on independent ethics assessments—particularly in the areas of employee treatment, supply chain transparency, and environmental health and safety. That said, public-facing data is still limited, making it harder for everyday consumers to evaluate ethical claims.

Why Ethics Should Be Part of the Conversation

At first glance, ethics might feel like a side topic when choosing a medication. But when that medication becomes part of your life—week after week, month after month—it makes sense to want confidence in how it’s made.

Ethical manufacturing doesn’t just benefit workers and supply chains. It helps build trust in the medication itself. People want to know that their health isn’t supported by systems that harm others—or cut corners to save money.

For clinics, prescribers, and patients, that means asking better questions: not just Does it work? but also Who made this—and how?

Supporting companies that invest in fair labor practices and responsible sourcing helps push the industry toward higher standards. And in the long run, that benefits everyone—from factory floors to front-line healthcare.

Wondering What Goes Into the Medication You’re Using?

We can help you understand more than just how Wegovy works—we can also walk through what ethical production means, and why it matters. These details are worth knowing, especially when you’re using something regularly.

Want to Make Choices That Align with Your Values?

Our consultants can answer questions not just about treatment options, but about the people and practices behind them. If ethics play a role in your decision-making, we’re ready to help you make sense of what’s out there.