Quick overview

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Novo Nordisk announced Monday that, in response to growing political pressure on pharmaceutical companies to reduce prices in the US, it now sells its popular diabetes treatment Ozempic to cash-paying US patients for less than half of its monthly list price.

 

Patients can purchase three Ozempic dosage sizes for $499 in cash each month. Novo Nordisk’s patient assistance program, the company’s newly launched online pharmacy, which also ships the injection straight to patients’ homes, and the drug’s official website are among the platforms where they can obtain the price.

In addition, Ozempic and its weight-loss equivalent, Wegovy, will be available at more than 70,000 pharmacies across the country for $499 per month through the drug savings company GoodRx, according to a Novo Nordisk announcement.

Ozempic has been the subject of political and public criticism for its nearly $1,350 monthly list price before insurance and other rebates. The new offer follows President Donald Trump’s July letters to Novo Nordisk and 16 other pharmaceutical companies urging them to take action to reduce the cost of prescription drugs in the United States.

He recommended, among other things, that they adopt business models that sell medications directly to consumers or companies.

The goal is to enhance access to Ozempic and Wegovy while encouraging patients to select the brand-name medications over cheaper, compounded alternatives. During a recent shortage of Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide, which is the active ingredient in both drugs, there was a notable increase in their popularity.