Price Falls on Weight-Loss Drug

Novo Nordisk announced a significant price reduction for its blockbuster diabetes and weight-loss drug Ozempic, cutting the monthly cost for self-paying patients in the United States to under $500. The move represents nearly a 50 percent drop from the typical list price of around $1,000 and is expected to make the medication more accessible for individuals without insurance coverage.

The decision comes at a time of heightened scrutiny over the cost of GLP-1 drugs, which are widely prescribed for Type 2 diabetes and increasingly for weight loss. President Donald Trump and lawmakers from both parties have pressured pharmaceutical companies to lower drug prices, noting that American patients pay substantially more for these medications than those in other countries. Industry observers say the price reduction is a direct response to this growing political and public pressure.

Ozempic’s popularity has surged in recent years, fueled by reports of dramatic weight-loss results in addition to its effectiveness in managing diabetes. Demand has been so strong that periodic shortages have left some patients struggling to fill prescriptions. With the new pricing program, Novo Nordisk is aiming to expand access, particularly for patients who do not qualify for insurance coverage or manufacturer assistance programs.

The move also comes as competitor Eli Lilly reduced the out-of-pocket price for its own GLP-1 drug, Zepbound. Analysts predict these adjustments could mark the beginning of broader changes in the way pharmaceutical companies set prices for high-demand medications, especially those with widespread off-label use.

For many patients, the lower price may mean the difference between starting treatment and going without. Health advocates say the change is a step in the right direction, though they continue to call for deeper reforms to address prescription affordability across the board.