MW Weight-loss-drug price war is on, as Wegovy prices cut for monthly subscribers

By Tomi Kilgore

Novo Nordisk's move for Wegovy users without insurance comes a week after a similar move from Eli Lilly for Zepbound

Novo Nordisk said game on, as the Denmark-based drugmaker lowered prices on its obesity treatment Wegovy for those without insurance, and said it would deliver the drug to their homes.

The company's $(NVO)$ move comes a week after Eli Lilly & Co. $(LLY)$ cut prices for its rival weight-loss drug Zepbound.

Novo Nordisk announced Wednesday the launch of NovoCare Pharmacy, which will offer all dose strengths of Wegovy for $499 a month, for patients without insurance or those with insurance that doesn't cover obesity drugs. The company noted that 90% of Wegovy users have coverage with copays of $0 to $25 a month.

The pharmacy will provide an option to have Wegovy delivered directly to the patient.

The new offering compares with a previous list price of $1,349 for a month's supply of Wegovy.

Novo Nordisk's U.S.-listed stock rallied 4.8% toward a three-month high in premarket trading Wednesday, while Eli Lilly shares edged up 0.3%.

Novo Nordisk's offer is different from Eli Lilly's, as Lilly said a 5-milligram dose of Zepbound would cost $499 a month, while 2.5-milligram doses would cost $349 a month.

The 7.5-milligram dose of Zepbound will cost $599 a month and the 10-milligram dose will cost $699 a month, or they will cost $499 a month at first fill or refills that occur within 45 days of the previous delivery.

-Tomi Kilgore

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March 05, 2025 09:00 ET (14:00 GMT)

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