Novo Nordisk slashes Wegovy, Ozempic & Rybelsus list prices by up to 50% effective Jan 2027, enhancing access to FDA-approved semaglutide for obesity, diabetes & heart risks.
Written By: Nikita Jha, BPharm
Reviewed By: Pharmacally Editorial Team
Novo Nordisk made headlines today by announcing significant price reductions for its blockbuster GLP-1 receptor agonist medications Wegovy® (semaglutide) injection 2.4 mg and tablets 25 mg, Ozempic® (semaglutide) injection 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg, and Rybelsus® (semaglutide) tablets 7 mg and 14 mg.
Effective January 1, 2027, the new wholesale acquisition cost (WAC), or list price, drops to $675 across all specified doses. This marks reductions of about 50% for Wegovy® and 35% for Ozempic® from current levels, aiming to tackle affordability barriers in the US healthcare landscape.
Driving Factors and Leadership Perspective
The move addresses surging demand and payer pressures amid an obesity epidemic affecting over 100 million Americans and type 2 diabetes impacting more than 35 million.
Jamey Millar, Executive Vice President of US Operations at Novo Nordisk, emphasized that lowering list prices directly responds to calls from patients, private insurers, and public payers. “Our actions today answer that call and remove cost barriers so the value of Wegovy® and Ozempic® can be realized by more patients,” Millar stated. He highlighted benefits for those with high-deductible health plans or co-insurance, where out-of-pocket costs tie closely to list prices.
This strategy builds on Novo Nordisk’s ongoing initiatives to broaden access to authentic, FDA-approved versions of these drugs, without altering direct-to-patient or self-pay pricing programs.
Unique Profile of Semaglutide in the GLP-1 Class
Semaglutide stands out among GLP-1 agonists due to its robust efficacy and broad FDA approvals. Unlike competitors, it powers medicines indicated for:
- Adults with obesity (Wegovy®)
- Type 2 diabetes (Ozempic®)
- Type 2 diabetes with chronic kidney disease (Ozempic® injection)
- Comorbid cardiovascular disease (both Wegovy® and Ozempic®)
These approvals underscore semaglutide’s versatility in managing weight, glycemic control, and cardiovascular risks.
Wegovy®: Expanded Indications and Formulations
Wegovy® (semaglutide) is available as injections (1.7 mg, 2.4 mg, and 7.2 mg; currently EU-approved for the higher dose) and US-only tablets (25 mg). Paired with diet and exercise, it reduces major cardiovascular events like death, heart attack, or stroke in adults with established heart disease who have obesity or overweight. It also aids weight loss and maintenance in adults with obesity or overweight plus weight-related conditions.
By cutting list prices, Novo Nordisk positions these therapies to reach more patients navigating complex insurance dynamics, potentially reshaping obesity and diabetes care in the US.
Market Context: Amid Ongoing Compounding Disputes
Novo Nordisk’s price announcement today comes amid its ongoing legal battle with Hims & Hers, which involves allegations around unapproved compounded semaglutide versions. While the company emphasizes expanding access to FDA-approved Wegovy® and Ozempic®, this timing coincides with broader industry tensions over compounded GLP-1 alternatives. Patients navigating these options may consider the distinctions between regulated, proven therapies and unapproved copies in their choices.
Reference
Novo Nordisk announces significant reduction in US list price for Wegovy®, Ozempic®, and Rybelsus® (semaglutide medicines), building on continued efforts to expand access, 24 February 2026, News Details