Novo Nordisk announced on Monday (November 17) that it is reducing prices for its popular obesity and diabetes drugs, Wegovy and Ozempic, for cash-paying patients. This move comes as the company faces increased competition in the weight loss market and pressure from President Donald Trump. The new pricing strategy aims to attract Americans willing to purchase medications directly from Novo Nordisk, bypassing insurance.

The company is offering the first two monthly doses of Wegovy and Ozempic for $199, with the discount expiring at the end of March. Afterward, prices for self-pay patients will be reduced to $349 a month, down from $499. However, the 2-milligram dose of Ozempic will remain at $499. These discounts are available through Novo Nordisk's direct-to-consumer channels and partners like Costco, GoodRx, and Weight Watchers, along with over 70,000 retail pharmacies.

The announcement follows a major deal between Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly, and the Trump administration, which grants them access to Medicare and Medicaid markets in exchange for price reductions. Under this agreement, consumers buying injectable GLP-1 medications directly will initially pay an average of $350 per month, with plans to reduce the price to about $250 over the next two years.

Dave Moore, executive vice president of US operations, noted the growing interest in direct pay options among those living with obesity. Currently, about one in eight adults use GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic or Wegovy for weight loss or chronic conditions, according to a KFF Health Tracking Poll. The high cost is a common reason for stopping usage, despite insurers covering Ozempic for diabetes treatment. Wegovy's list price is $1,349 a month, but insurance coverage for weight loss remains inconsistent.

Big Sue