Novo Nordisk has announced a major price reduction for its widely used diabetes drug Ozempic in the United States. Cash-paying patients can now access the treatment for less than half its previous monthly list price. The move comes amid growing political and public pressure on pharmaceutical companies to lower drug costs and improve access for patients without adequate insurance coverage.
Discounted Pricing and Availability
Eligible U.S. patients can now purchase Ozempic for $499 per month, covering three different dose sizes. The price is available through Novo Nordisk’s official website, its patient assistance program, and the company’s new direct-to-consumer online pharmacy, which delivers the medication directly to patients’ homes. Drug savings platform GoodRx will also offer both Ozempic and Wegovy, a related weight-loss treatment, at the same discounted price across more than 70,000 pharmacies nationwide.
Addressing Insurance Gaps
GoodRx CEO Wendy Barnes highlighted the importance of the collaboration, noting the strong demand for GLP-1 therapies and the lack of sufficient insurance coverage for millions of Americans. The partnership aims to make these treatments accessible to more patients, reducing reliance on compounded alternatives that surged during previous shortages of semaglutide, the active ingredient in both Ozempic and Wegovy.
Political and Market Context
The reduced pricing follows a recent letter from President Donald Trump to Novo Nordisk and other pharmaceutical companies urging direct-to-consumer models and lower drug prices. At a list price of nearly $1,350 per month, Ozempic has long been a target of political criticism. By lowering prices, Novo Nordisk seeks to expand access while also countering unregulated alternatives and strengthening its position against rival Eli Lilly in the competitive GLP-1 drug market.
Industry Implications
Novo Nordisk is not alone in this strategy. Eli Lilly has also introduced lower cash prices for its diabetes and obesity treatments, underscoring the growing battle for dominance in the fast-expanding GLP-1 segment. These drugs, which help regulate blood sugar and suppress appetite, have become highly sought after, making affordability a key issue for patients and policymakers alike.
With Ozempic now offered at a significantly reduced cash price, Novo Nordisk is addressing political pressure, patient demand, and competitive challenges in one move. The initiative could reshape access to diabetes and weight-loss medications in the U.S., setting the stage for broader industry changes in how life-saving therapies are priced and delivered.