Novo Nordisk (NVO) announced a new cash-pay option for its blockbuster weight-loss drug Wegovy, offering a monthly dose at $499 and home delivery.

The move follows competitor Eli Lilly (LLY), which similarly announced a $499 cash program for its weight-loss drug Zepbound. 

The two GLP-1 market leaders see the need to launch more access points to meet ongoing demand for the drugs. Especially after the FDA determined that their products, also known by their active ingredients — semaglutide for Wegovy and tirzepatide for Zepbound — are no longer in shortage, starting a countdown clock to unbranded knockoffs sold by compounding pharmacies.

REUTERS / Reuters

The new prices from both companies provide a 50% or more discount from the known list prices. Wegovy, for example, is listed for around $1,350 per month. but most patients pay less depending on their insurance coverage. 

Novo Nordisk's stock jumped more than 4% following the news Wednesday.

The new cash price is only available to certain patients — those who are uninsured or those who have commercial insurance but do not have coverage for the weight-loss drugs. The new program is being launched under a new business segment called NovoCare Pharmacy.

"Today, over 55 million people in the US have coverage specifically for weight management medicines, and 90% of Wegovy patients with coverage pay $0 to $25 a month for Wegovy," said Dave Moore, president of Novo Nordisk's North America business, in a statement Wednesday.

Anjalee Khemlani is the senior health reporter at Yahoo Finance, covering all things pharma, insurance, care services, digital health, PBMs, and health policy and politics. That includes GLP-1s, of course. Follow Anjalee on social media platforms X, LinkedIn, and Bluesky @AnjKhem.

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