Novo Nordisk Boosts Ozempic Availability and Cuts Prices Amid Industry Pressure

Novo Nordisk's shares jumped 4% after the company announced a 50% discount for its diabetes drug Ozempic for out-of-pocket customers in the US. The move aims to counter criticism over high prices and copycat drugs, as well as to defend its market share against rival Eli Lilly. The price reduction will make Ozempic available for $499/month through various channels, including a direct-to-consumer online pharmacy. This follows a similar price cut for weight-loss treatment Wegovy in March.

Novo Nordisk's shares surged by 4% following the company's announcement of a 50% discount on its diabetes drug Ozempic for out-of-pocket customers in the United States. The price reduction, which brings the monthly cost down to $499, is aimed at addressing criticism over high prices and the proliferation of copycat drugs. The move also seeks to defend Novo Nordisk's market share against rival Eli Lilly, which has also been reducing prices for its GLP-1 medications.

The discounted price will be available through various channels, including Novo Nordisk's newly launched direct-to-consumer online pharmacy, NovoCare, and through partnerships with drug savings platforms like GoodRx. This follows a similar price cut for Novo Nordisk's weight loss treatment, Wegovy, which was introduced in March. The company has been facing mounting political pressure from President Donald Trump to lower drug prices and provide medications directly to consumers.

Novo Nordisk's executive vice president of US operations, Dave Moore, stated, "While Ozempic is well covered in the US, let’s not forget that there are some patients who pay out-of-pocket for this vital medicine. We believe that if even a single patient feels the need to turn to potentially unsafe and unapproved knockoff alternatives, that’s one too many."

The price reduction is part of Novo Nordisk's broader strategy to increase access to its GLP-1 medications and ensure patients use the branded medication instead of cheaper, potentially unsafe compounded copies. The company has invested $6.5 billion over the past year to boost the domestic manufacturing capacity of Ozempic and Wegovy.

References:
[1] https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/18/business/ozempic-novo-nordisk-cash-price
[2] https://njbiz.com/novo-nordisk-ozempic-price-499-us-patients/
[3] https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/18/novo-nordisk-offers-diabetes-drug-ozempic-for-steep-cash-discount.html
[4] https://www.capitalbrief.com/briefing/novo-nordisk-shares-rise-after-ozempic-price-cut-and-wegovy-approval-f373f5dd-68b1-4263-8351-48d00c3a4736/