Novo Nordisk Expands Wegovy Access with New Pricing and Legal Actions
Novo Nordisk has announced an expanded access program for Wegovy (semaglutide), an FDA-approved obesity treatment, allowing uninsured and self-pay patients to purchase any dose for a promotional price of $299 from July 1 to July 31, 2025. This new offer replaces the previous one-time price of $199, which is valid until June 30, 2025, with subsequent pricing set to increase to $499 per month. Patients can redeem the offer through Wegovy.com and fill the prescription at various pharmacies including CenterWell Pharmacy, Novocare Pharmacy, Ro, and LifeMD, leveraging partnerships with WeightWatchers and CenterWell Pharmacy to facilitate access.
The announcement follows the termination of Novo Nordisk's partnership with telehealth company Hims & Hers Health, amid concerns about the unauthorized sale of compounded semaglutide products. Novo Nordisk is actively pursuing legal actions against unauthorized sellers to protect patient safety and the integrity of its FDA-approved medication. Wegovy was first approved by the FDA in June 2021 for adults and expanded for adolescent use in December 2022. It is used alongside diet and exercise to treat obesity, which affects approximately 40% of U.S. adults and incurs significant healthcare costs estimated at $173 billion annually.
Wegovy is available in multiple dosage strengths administered via weekly injection. Despite its list price of $1,349, Novo Nordisk reports that most patients have manageable co-pays of $0 to $25 per month through insurance coverage. This pricing strategy and the expanded self-pay options aim to address issues of affordability and accessibility in obesity care. The program aligns with ongoing industry efforts to improve patient access to chronic condition management therapies amid increasing demand and regulatory scrutiny.
The developments at Novo Nordisk reflect broader market and regulatory trends surrounding specialty pharmaceuticals, including the scrutiny of compounded drug safety and the enforcement of intellectual property rights. Insurance providers, payers, and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) are significant stakeholders impacted by these shifts, as they manage formularies and access pathways for high-cost specialty drugs like Wegovy.
Overall, the expanded access program and legal strategies underscore Novo Nordisk's role in addressing obesity treatment needs while navigating complex healthcare regulatory environments and market dynamics. Industry professionals should monitor these price and access developments as they influence payer policies and patient care pathways in obesity management.