Oral obesity treatment expands access through Amazon
Amazon announced Friday that it now offers Novo Nordisk’s oral Wegovy weight loss pill through Amazon Pharmacy, marking another step in the company’s expansion into prescription health care. The move follows Novo Nordisk’s U.S. rollout of the daily pill earlier this week.
The oral version of Wegovy enters the market at a starting cash price of $149 per month. Patients with insurance coverage may pay as little as $25 monthly, making it one of the lowest-priced options in a weight loss drug market long dominated by costly injectable treatments.
Competitive pricing targets broader patient base
Novo Nordisk’s decision to distribute the pill through Amazon highlights a strategy to reach patients outside traditional pharmacy channels. Amazon confirmed that eligible insured customers can access the medication for $25 for a one-month supply, while cash-paying users will start at $149.
In the coming weeks, Amazon will also make the Wegovy pill available through its prescription vending kiosks located inside select One Medical clinics, further integrating pharmacy services into its primary care footprint.
Amazon Pharmacy strengthens healthcare push
Amazon Pharmacy launched in 2020 following the company’s acquisition of online pharmacy PillPack in 2018. Its expansion continued with the $3.9 billion purchase of One Medical in 2022, reinforcing Amazon’s ambitions in the U.S. healthcare sector.
The company has emphasized fast delivery and transparent pricing as key advantages. Amazon says it offers same-day prescription delivery to nearly half of U.S. consumers, though it has not disclosed user numbers. Analysts estimate the pharmacy business could generate around $2 billion in annual revenue.
Broader ecosystem for weight loss medications
Amazon Pharmacy has already partnered with several players in the weight loss space. Weight Watchers works with Amazon to deliver obesity medications to its members, while Eli Lilly collaborates with the platform to distribute select prescriptions, including its obesity drug Zepbound.
Beyond Amazon, the Wegovy pill is now available at more than 70,000 U.S. pharmacies including CVS and Costco, as well as through telehealth providers such as Ro, LifeMD, GoodRx and Novo Nordisk’s NovoCare Pharmacy.
Oral treatments may shift obesity care
Health experts believe pill-based options could significantly broaden access to obesity treatment, especially for patients hesitant to use injections. A competing oral obesity drug from Eli Lilly is expected to receive FDA approval later this year, potentially intensifying competition in the rapidly growing market.