Bloomberg Intelligence Novo Halves Ozempic Price to $499 a Month For Those Paying Cash
Aug 18, 2025
Lisa Mateo-Madison Muller, a Bloomberg Health Reporter, dives into Novo Nordisk's decision to cut Ozempic's price to $499 monthly for cash payers, highlighting its potential to improve accessibility. She discusses the broader implications for pharmaceutical pricing and patient care. The conversation also touches on Novo’s recent approval of Wegovy for treating serious liver disease and its competitive edge against Eli Lilly’s offerings. Plus, insights into the strategic partnerships formed to enhance access for uninsured individuals add an interesting twist!
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Wegovy Approval Boosts Novo's Position
- Novo Nordisk gained FDA approval for Wegovy to treat MASH, expanding demonstrated health benefits beyond weight loss.
- This approval strengthens Novo's case to insurers and may help regain market share versus Lilly.
Price Cut Targets Cash-Pay Market
- Novo cut the cash price of Ozempic to $499 a month and previously priced Wegovy similarly to broaden cash-pay access.
- The move may not expand access much because Ozempic is often covered by insurance as a diabetes drug.
Same Drug, Different Doses And Uses
- Ozempic (lower-dose) and Wegovy (higher-dose) share semaglutide but differ in potency for weight loss.
- Patients on Ozempic usually receive it for type 2 diabetes, where insurance coverage is more common.