Novo Nordisk Cuts Prices for Ozempic and Wegovy Amid Competition

London, England — Novo Nordisk announced Monday that it is reducing prices for its popular weight loss drug Wegovy and diabetes medication Ozempic for cash-paying patients. The price cut comes as part of the company’s strategy to make these treatments more accessible amid increasing competition in the obesity and diabetes markets.

The Danish drugmaker is lowering the monthly cost of Wegovy and Ozempic for most cash-paying patients to $349, down from $499. However, the highest 2 mg dose of Ozempic will remain priced at $499 per month. Additionally, Novo Nordisk is offering an introductory promotion where new cash-paying patients can access the two lowest doses of both drugs for only $199 per month for the first two months of treatment. This promotional offer ends on March 31, 2026.

Dave Moore, head of U.S. operations for Novo Nordisk, stated in a release, “Our new savings offers provide immediate impact, bringing forward greater cost savings for those who are currently without coverage or choose to self-pay. It is part of a larger strategy to expand access that includes building relationships with telehealth providers and major retailers, expanding coverage, and working with the Administration to lower costs for people living with chronic diseases like obesity.”

The price cuts came shortly after the Trump administration negotiated deals with major drug manufacturers, including Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, to ensure broader access and affordability of GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic for Americans. Under the new agreements, the government will reduce the prices it pays for these drugs, and Medicare will cover obesity medications for certain patients for the first time.

This price drop comes in response to heightened competition from rival Eli Lilly, which is also reducing prices for its weight-loss drug, Zepbound. Eli Lilly is starting its pricing at $299 per month under its own direct-to-consumer platform, LillyDirect, further intensifying the competitive landscape.

Moore noted that the cash market constitutes about 10% of total Wegovy prescriptions in the U.S. as many people express interest in self-pay options. The current pricing adjustments aim to regain market share and respond to patient feedback regarding affordability. A recent poll indicated that cost is a significant factor leading users to stop their GLP-1 medications.

With increasing interest in direct-pay options, Novo Nordisk’s announcement marks a significant shift in its pricing strategy and efforts to accommodate a growing demand for weight loss drugs amid changing healthcare policies.