Lower prices and new coverage deals could reshape obesity drug access—but affordability gaps persist
Novo Nordisk is slashing the US price of its blockbuster obesity drug Wegovy by 30 percent, a move that could reshape access for millions but still leaves affordability out of reach for many without insurance, according to The Canadian Press.
The Danish drugmaker announced it will now sell higher doses of Wegovy for US$349 per month to cash-paying patients, down from US$499, as part of a pricing agreement outlined by US President Donald Trump’s administration.
Novo also introduced a temporary US$199 offer for the first two months of low-dose Wegovy and its diabetes counterpart, Ozempic.
These price cuts are available at pharmacies, through home delivery, and via select telemedicine providers, as reported by The Canadian Press.
Despite the reductions, experts warn the drugs remain costly for many.
Stacie Dusetzina, a prescription drug pricing expert at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, said the new prices are “not going to really move the needle for a person who doesn’t have a pretty reasonable amount of disposable income.”
Laura Davisson, an obesity specialist, added that the medication is still unaffordable for Medicaid patients in states where coverage is lacking, and highlighted a growing trend of insurers dropping coverage for these treatments.
Coverage, however, is set to expand.
According to The Canadian Press, the federally funded Medicare program will begin covering Wegovy for those with severe obesity or related health problems, with eligible patients paying US$50 copays.
Novo expects that around 40 million more Americans will gain access through expanded Medicaid and Medicare coverage.
The competitive landscape is also shifting.
Eli Lilly, Novo’s chief rival, plans similar price reductions for its weight-loss drug Zepbound, with starter doses at US$299 per month and higher doses up to US$449.
Both companies are racing to launch oral versions of their drugs, aiming to appeal to patients who prefer pills over injections, as reported by Reuters.
Novo Nordisk’s CEO Mike Doustdar emphasized the company’s commitment to the oral format, stating, “We have more than enough pills this time, so we're going to go all in and really make this happen.”
He acknowledged the need for greater adaptability, as consumers using weight-loss drugs behave more like retail shoppers than traditional diabetes patients.
Meanwhile, Novo Holdings, which controls Novo Nordisk, has exited its stake in British medical products maker Convatec, selling its 7.8 percent holding at a discount and raising about £351m, as reported by Reuters.
The sale follows Convatec’s forecast of double-digit profit growth and marks the end of Novo’s boardroom involvement, with both parties expressing gratitude for the partnership.
