Novo Nordisk rolled out a multi-month subscription plan for Wegovy, the “first and only” program of its kind that the manufacturer says could save users up to $1,200 annually.
The new program aims to lower patients' cost uncertainty to help people stay on the FDA-approved GLP-1 obesity treatment. Eligible self-pay patients can enroll through select telehealth providers at a “lower, predictable monthly price,” the company said in a press release.
“By providing predictable monthly pricing, multi-month options, and access through trusted telehealth providers, this program aims to support a more manageable way for people to stay on treatment and focus on achieving meaningful, sustainable weight loss outcomes,” said Ed Cinca, Novo Nordisk senior vice president of marketing and patient solutions, in the announcement.
The new subscription plan comes as Novo Nordisk battles intense competition from Eli Lilly's obesity treatments as well as versions of the drugs sold through compounding pharmacies. While Novo was first to market with both injectable Wegovy and its Wegovy pill, the company has subsequently ceded its superior obesity market share in the U.S. to Lilly, Fierce Pharma reports.
While Novo was first to market with both injectable Wegovy and its Wegovy pill, the company has subsequently ceded its superior obesity market share in the U.S. to Lilly.
Eligible patients can choose three-, six-or 12-month subscriptions, and longer treatment periods will also be eligible for lower monthly prices. Users can save up to $1,200 on injection pens with the following subscriptions:
- 3-month subscription: $329 per month, savings of $240 per year
- 6-month subscription: $299 per month, savings of $600 per year
- 12‑month subscription: $249 per month, savings of $1,200 per year
The 7.2-mg dose will be added to the program later, the announcement said.
The pill form of the drug, launched in the U.S. in January, is also available under the subscription plan. Here’s a breakdown of savings, up to $600 annually, for 9-mg and 25-mg doses with each subscription:
- 3-month subscription: $289/month, savings of $120 per year
- 6-month subscription: $269/month, savings of $360 per year
- 12‑month subscription: $249/month, savings of $600 per year
For the pill, eligible patients will pay $149 per month for each of the 1.5-mg and 4-mg doses. The price for the 4-mg dose will increase to $199 per month beginning Aug. 31.
Patients will be able to enroll in the subscription plan through Ro, WeightWatchers, LifeMD, Him & Hers and Sesame. More telehealth providers will be announced at a later date, and patients are urged to directly contact providers for complete program terms.