Novo Nordisk Introduces Lower-Cost Wegovy Price Access
Novo Nordisk has announced a significant price reduction for its weight loss medication, Wegovy price, through a newly launched direct-to-consumer online pharmacy. The initiative aims to expand access to the drug by offering it at less than half its usual monthly price. Patients can now purchase Wegovy for $499 per month, compared to its standard list price of nearly $1,350 before insurance and rebates.
The new pharmacy, NovoCare, is designed to cater to millions of individuals who lack insurance coverage for medication. This move also seeks to counter the rising popularity of cheaper, compounded versions of Wegovy, which surged during a recently resolved shortage of the drug in the U.S.
Through NovoCare, patients can have their Wegovy prescriptions shipped directly to their homes via a specialty pharmacy partner. Additional support services will also be available, such as refill reminders and live assistance from case managers.
Expanding Access to Traditional Pharmacies
In a further effort to enhance affordability, Novo Nordisk has confirmed plans to extend the cost-saving offer to patients using conventional retail pharmacies. While no specific timeline was provided, the company stated that these cash-paying patients will soon be able to access Wegovy price at the same reduced price.
The launch of NovoCare follows a similar move by a key industry competitor, Eli Lilly, which introduced its direct-to-consumer pharmacy, LillyDirect, in January 2024. Eli Lilly’s platform facilitates access to its weight loss drug, Zepbound, by allowing eligible patients to obtain prescriptions through telehealth services and receive home deliveries. More recently, LillyDirect began offering Zepbound in single-dose vials at prices significantly lower than its standard $1,000 monthly list price.
Regulatory Changes and Market Competition
The introduction of NovoCare comes at a pivotal moment for the weight loss drug market. Both Wegovy Price and Zepbound Price belong to the GLP-1 class of medications, which work by mimicking gut hormones to suppress appetite and regulate blood sugar levels. As demand for these treatments grows, pharmaceutical companies are intensifying efforts to secure market dominance.
In recent months, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) declared the nationwide shortages of both Wegovy and Zepbound to be officially over. This regulatory decision effectively prohibits certain compounding pharmacies from manufacturing unapproved versions of the drugs.
Novo Nordisk emphasized that its new platform will help patients avoid potential health risks associated with compounded versions of Wegovy. The company referenced warnings from leading medical organizations and the FDA regarding the safety concerns tied to unapproved compounded medications. With the launch of NovoCare, Novo Nordisk aims to provide patients with a safer, more affordable way to access its FDA-approved weight loss treatment.
