Novo Nordisk, a leading pharmaceutical company, is making significant changes to its pricing strategy for popular obesity and diabetes drugs. In an effort to increase sales and fend off competition, the company has announced lower prices for its blockbuster medications.
As of now, cash-paying patients can purchase Wegovy and Ozempic, two popular GLP-1 drugs, for $199 per month. This reduced price applies only to the first two monthly doses of these medications. For self-pay customers who use Novo Nordisk’s direct-to-consumer channels or partner with retailers like Costco and GoodRx, the new prices are $349 per month.
Novo Nordisk is counting on its cash market to boost sales in the US and abroad, as it currently accounts for around 10% of total Wegovy prescriptions. The company believes that patients willing to pay directly will be more interested in these medications.
The move comes shortly after Novo Nordisk announced a major deal with the Trump administration, which aims to increase access to Medicare and Medicaid markets by reducing prices. Under this agreement, consumers can expect to pay an average of $350 per month for injectable GLP-1 medications directly from the companies, with plans to reduce prices further over the next two years.
Competition is fierce in the weight loss market, with Eli Lilly also announcing a lower price for its GLP-1 weight loss drug Zepbound. Novo Nordisk’s reduced self-pay prices are closer to those offered by compounding pharmacies and significantly lower than Eli Lilly’s current cash price.
The reduced prices have sparked interest among patients who are looking for more affordable options for treating obesity and diabetes. According to a recent KFF Health Tracking Poll, cost is one of the top reasons people stop taking GLP-1 drugs.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/11/17/health/weight-loss-diabetes-drugs-novo-nordisk