Novo Nordisk cuts Wegovy price ahead of TrumpRx launch

Novo Nordisk has jumped the gun on US price reductions for its blockbuster diabetes and weight-loss drug semaglutide, cutting the monthly price to $349, earlier than expected, for people willing to pay for it in cash.

As of 17th November, the out-of-pocket price for type 2 diabetes brand Ozempic and Wegovy for weight loss was cut to the new level for people accessing it through Novo Nordisk's own direct-to-consumer (DTC) channel – NovoCare Pharmacy – as well as those offered by its telehealth partners like GoodRx, WeightWatchers, and LifeMD. The lower prices will also be available through around 70,000 pharmacies nationwide.

The only exception is the highest (2mg) dose of Ozempic, which will remain at $499 per month for now.

The decision follows an agreement between both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly and the Trump administration to reduce the price of GLP-1 agonists when purchased through TrumpRx, a federal DTC channel that is due to launch with pricing before the end of the year and start supplying medicines in January.

By moving early, Novo Nordisk has got in with its price cut ahead of Lilly, whose deal involved dual GLP-1/CIP agonist tirzepatide, sold as Mounjaro for diabetes and Zepbound for weight loss. Lilly set the monthly cost to self-payers at prices from $299 to $449 via TrumpRx, depending on dose.

Novo Nordisk, meanwhile, has also sweetened the deal with an introductory price of $199 per month for the first two doses of both Ozempic and Wegovy.

The aggressive pricing campaign comes as Novo Nordisk is coming under pressure in its GLP-1 agonist business from Lilly, as well as compounding pharmacies supplying a cut-price version of semaglutide.

It recently replaced its senior management, with Mike Doustdar coming in as chief executive and former CEO Lars Rebien Sørensen returning to take the role of chairman of the board, and implemented a restructuring programme including thousands of job cuts in an attempt to turn the business around after a steady decline in its share price this year.

"As pioneers of the GLP-1 class, we are committed to ensuring that real, FDA-approved Wegovy and Ozempic are affordable and accessible to those who need them," said Dave Moore, head of US operations at Novo Nordisk Inc.

"The US healthcare system is complex, with different types of insurance and various ways for patients to obtain their medicines," he added. "Our new savings offers provide immediate impact, bringing forward greater cost savings for those who are currently without coverage or choose to self-pay."

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