Novo Nordisk, the Danish pharmaceutical giant, has announced a significant price reduction for its popular obesity drug, Wegovy, as it prepares to launch a pill version of the treatment. The move comes amid growing competition in the weight-loss market and aims to expand access for patients in the United States.
Starting immediately, cash-paying patients can buy Wegovy at $349 per month, down from the previous $499. For new users under select insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, the company is offering the injection at $149 per month for a limited time. The price cuts are part of a broader effort to make weight-loss medications more affordable and widely available.
The company’s CEO, Mike Doustdar, emphasized that the new strategy reflects how weight-loss treatments are increasingly being used by consumers rather than traditional patients. “Patients behave like consumers,” he said, “and we need to ensure treatments are accessible, convenient, and affordable.”
Novo Nordisk is also preparing to introduce an oral version of Wegovy, currently under review by U.S. regulators and expected to be approved by the end of the year. Unlike the injectable version, the pill form could appeal to people who prefer taking tablets over weekly injections. The company says it has sufficient supply to support a full launch.
The price reduction is linked to a new agreement with the U.S. government, under which Medicare could start covering obesity drugs like Wegovy in 2026. While the company expects this deal to slightly reduce its global sales growth, it sees it as essential to expanding patient access.
Competition in the weight-loss market is intensifying, particularly from Eli Lilly, which has also introduced semaglutide-based drugs. By reducing prices and offering an oral alternative, Novo Nordisk aims to maintain its leadership position in the sector.
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