Novo Nordisk Expands Semaglutide Access With Discounted Pricing

Novo Nordisk announced an expanded discount program for semaglutide (Wegovy), offering the drug for $499 per month for all eligible cash-paying customers.¹ This announcement follows the launch of NovoCarePharmacy, a direct-to-patient delivery option that offers 0.25-mg, 0.5-mg, 1-mg, 1.7-mg, and 2.4-mg injections at a reduced cost for cash-paying individuals. The reduced-price option for semaglutide through NovoCarePharmacy is available for uninsured or eligible patients with commercial insurance who do not have coverage for obesity medicines.²

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With the expanded access, all cash-paying patients can purchase 0.25-mg to 2.4-mg doses of semaglutide at local retail pharmacies for $499 for a 28-day supply. The company noted that the new price option reduces the previous cost of semaglutide, which was valued at $650 per month.¹

“Over 55 million people in the U.S. have coverage specifically for weight management medicines, and 90% of Wegovy patients with coverage pay $0 to $25 a month for Wegovy," Dave Moore, executive vice president, US operations and global business development and president of Novo Nordisk Inc, said in a news release. "With NovoCare Pharmacy, patients and prescribers alike have another option that provides convenient access to all doses of real, FDA-approved Wegovy at a reduced cost in our high-quality pen."²

Semaglutide was approved by the FDA in December 2017 for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and received further approval in June 2021 for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least 1 weight-related condition. This includes high blood pressure, T2D, or high cholesterol. The glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist is indicated to be used in addition to a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity for individuals with obesity (BMI ≥ 30) or overweight (BMI ≥ 27).^3,4

Novo’s expanded discount program follows the launch of Eli Lilly’s Zepbound Self Pay Journey Program, offered exclusively through LillyDirect Self Pay Pharmacy Solutions, pricing 7.5-mg and 10-mg single-dose vials of tirzepatide (Zepbound) at $499. The program also reduced pricing for the existing 2.5-mg and 5-mg vials, offering self-pay patients a transparent, out-of-pocket option by streamlining the supply chain and bypassing insurance.⁵

However, Novo Nordisk has acted more proactively than its competitor by offering its discounted price of semaglutide to regular retail pharmacy.¹

NovoCare Pharmacy also guarantees that patients are provided with genuine, FDA-approved semaglutide. This practice is crucial for safeguarding patients from the potential hazards of unsafe or illegally obtained products, especially following the FDAs released statement that expressed concerns over unapproved forms of semaglutide and tirzepatide.^2,6

In the statement released last week, the FDA acknowledges that some patients and health care providers are considering unapproved GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, for weight loss. However, the agency noted that using these unapproved versions poses a risk to patients because they have not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or quality prior to being sold.⁶ Complying to the FDA’s guidance, NovoCare Pharmacy does not offer compounded semaglutide as they are not FDA approved products.²

The expanded access to semaglutide through a new discount program and direct-to-patient delivery, significantly reduces the cost barrier for those without insurance coverage for obesity medications. The company's initiative aims to provide more affordable and convenient access to FDA-approved semaglutide, addressing the growing demand for weight management solutions while ensuring patient safety by emphasizing the use of genuine products.

“With the evolution of our Wegovy savings program, we continue to deliver options that empower people living with obesity to more easily pursue their weight management and health goals,” Moore said in the news release.¹

REFERENCES

1. Novo Nordisk offers cheaper Wegovy for all cash-paying patients at retail pharmacy. Fierce Pharma. News release. March 24, 2025. Accessed March 28, 2025. https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/novo-nordisk-offers-cheaper-wegovy-all-cash-paying-patients-retail-pharmacy

2. Novo Nordisk introduces NovoCare® Pharmacy, lowering cost of all doses of FDA-approved Wegovy® (semaglutide) to $499 per month and offering easy home delivery for cash-paying patients. PR Newswire. News release. March 5, 2025. Accessed March 28, 2025. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/novo-nordisk-introduces-novocare-pharmacy-lowering-cost-of-all-doses-of-fda-approved-wegovy-semaglutide-to-499-per-month-and-offering-easy-home-delivery-for-cash-paying-patients-302392874.html

3. FDA Approves New Drug Treatment for Chronic Weight Management, First Since 2014. FDA. News release. June 4, 2021. Accessed March 28, 2025. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-drug-treatment-chronic-weight-management-first-2014#:~:text=FDA%20News%20Release-,FDA%20Approves%20New%20Drug%20Treatment%20for%20Chronic%20Weight%20Management%2C%20First,obesity%20or%20overweight%20since%202014.

4. Coppock K. FDA Approves Prescription Weight Loss Therapy for Adults With Obesity. Pharmacy Times. June 4, 2021. Accessed March 28, 2025. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/fda-approves-prescription-weight-loss-therapy-for-adults-with-obesity

5. Ferruggia K. New Pricing, Access to Tirzepatide Available Through Self-Pay Options. Pharmacy Times. February 26, 2025. Accessed March 28, 2025. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/pharmacist-s-guide-to-new-pricing-and-access-to-tirzepatide-through-self-pay-options

6. FDA’s Concerns with Unapproved GLP-1 Drugs Used for Weight Loss. FDA. News release. March 17, 2025. Accessed March 28, 2025. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/fdas-concerns-unapproved-glp-1-drugs-used-weight-loss