Novo Nordisk cuts cash prices for Wegovy, Ozempic

Novo Nordisk Cuts Prices of Weight Loss and Diabetes Medications

Novo Nordisk, a leading pharmaceutical company, has announced a reduction in the direct-to-consumer prices of its popular weight loss drug Wegovy and diabetes medication Ozempic. This move aims to make these treatments more accessible to patients, particularly those who pay out-of-pocket. The price cut is part of a broader effort by the company and the Trump administration to increase affordability and accessibility of these medications.

Price Reduction Details

The price of Wegovy and Ozempic for existing cash-paying patients will be lowered to $349 per month, down from $499 per month. However, the highest dose of Ozempic will remain at $499 per month. Additionally, Novo Nordisk has introduced a temporary introductory offer, allowing new cash-paying patients to access the two lowest doses of Wegovy and Ozempic for $199 per month for the first two months of treatment. After this period, patients will transition to the new standard monthly price.

The introductory offer is available until March 31 and can be accessed through Novo Nordisk’s direct-to-consumer pharmacy, NovoCare, as well as other participating organizations and telehealth providers, including Costco, GoodRx, WeightWatchers, Ro, LifeMD, and eMed. This move is expected to provide significant cost savings for patients who are currently without coverage or choose to self-pay.

Broader Efforts to Increase Accessibility

The price reduction announcement comes on the heels of a deal between the Trump administration and Novo Nordisk, as well as its rival Eli Lilly, to make their GLP-1 drugs more accessible and affordable for Americans. The agreements include cutting the prices the government pays for these medications, introducing Medicare coverage of obesity drugs for certain patients, and offering discounted medicines on the government’s new direct-to-consumer website, TrumpRx, launching in January.

According to the Trump administration, starting doses of existing injections like Wegovy and Eli Lilly’s weight loss drug Zepbound will be $350 per month on TrumpRx, with prices decreasing to $245 per month over a two-year period. Eli Lilly has also lowered prices on its direct-to-consumer platform, LillyDirect, with the multidose pen of Zepbound available at $299 per month at the lowest dose.

Increased Accessibility and Affordability

Novo Nordisk’s head of U.S. operations, Dave Moore, stated that the new savings offers will have an immediate impact, providing greater cost savings for patients without coverage or those who choose to self-pay. This move is part of a larger strategy to expand access, including building relationships with telehealth providers and major retailers, expanding coverage, and working with the administration to lower costs for people living with chronic diseases like obesity.