Novo Nordisk launched a direct-to-consumer program last week to sell Wegovy at a reduced price for people who are uninsured or insured on commercial plans that don’t cover the obesity drug.
Through the NovoCare program, patients can purchase a month’s supply of Wegovy for $499. All dose strengths, from 0.25 milligrams to 2.4 milligrams, are priced the same. The list price for Wegovy is around $1,350 per month.
Novo Nordisk says that 90% of U.S. patients who take Wegovy have a co-pay of $0 to $25 per month. The new program intends to lower costs for people whose insurance plans don’t cover the cost of obesity medications. However, those on Medicare or Medicaid are ineligible for the program.
NovoCare also offers home deliveries and refill reminders for Wegovy prescriptions.
This initiative comes after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) removed Wegovy from the drug shortage list in late February. When a drug is in shortage, compounding pharmacies can legally create off-brand versions of the drug. Insurance doesn’t cover the cost of compounded drugs because they are not approved by the FDA.
“NovoCare Pharmacy offers patients access to authentic, FDA-approved Wegovy, helping to avoid the significant risks that can be posed by the compounding marketplace, as warned by respected organizations, experts in the medical community, and the FDA,” the company said in a press release.
“With an FDA-approved medicine like Wegovy, healthcare professionals and patients can have clarity and confidence in knowing the medicine they are using has undergone rigorous review for safety, effectiveness, and quality.”
In recent years, telehealth companies have emerged to offer lower-cost, off-brand obesity medications. Companies such as Hims & Hers and Ro partner with state-licensed compounding pharmacies to provide unbranded semaglutide and tirzepatide at a fraction of the cost of brand-name versions. However, some companies and unregulated pharmacies have sold versions of these drugs that are neither FDA- nor state-regulated.
Prices for compounded semaglutide through telehealth providers ranged from $130 to $300 per month.
The FDA has set an April 22 deadline for traditional compounding pharmacies to transition patients from compounded semaglutide to the brand-name drug or an alternative.
Eli Lilly has expanded a similar program, called LillyDirect, to reduce the price of its obesity medication, Zepbound, for people lacking insurance coverage. Lilly is offering single-dose vials that patients self-administer using a needle and syringe. Prices vary by dose, and the highest-strength vials are not available through the program.
LillyDirect also provides telehealth consultation that allows patients to meet virtually with a provider to get a Zepbound prescription. This offering has raised concerns about overprescription.
In a statement posted last year, the American College of Physicians emphasized the importance of an “established and valid patient-physician relationship” for high-quality care.
“These direct-to-consumer services have the potential to leave patients confused and misinformed about medications. While efforts to remove barriers to care are important, they should not devalue the proven benefits of the patient-physician relationship,” the ACP said in the statement.
While patients using NovoCare will have access to a case manager to help answer questions about Wegovy, Novo Nordisk is not offering a telehealth service to dispense prescriptions.
What This Means For You
Novo Nordisk’s new NovoCare program offers uninsured and underinsured patients access to Wegovy for $499 per month, significantly lower than its list price.
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New NovoCare Program Offers Wegovy at Reduced Prices
In a significant move for weight management accessibility, Novo Nordisk has unveiled its NovoCare program, which aims to make the obesity medication Wegovy more affordable. The initiative targets individuals who are either uninsured or covered by commercial insurance plans that do not include coverage for this medication.
Affordable Access to Wegovy
Through the NovoCare initiative, eligible patients can obtain a month’s supply of Wegovy for $499, regardless of the dosage, which ranges from 0.25 to 2.4 milligrams. This new pricing stands in stark contrast to the typical list price of around $1,350 per month.
Understanding the Patient Demographics
According to Novo Nordisk data, approximately 90% of patients using Wegovy in the United States benefit from a co-pay that ranges between $0 and $25 per month, highlighting the program’s intention to support those who face higher costs without insurance coverage. However, it is essential to note that this program does not extend to beneficiaries of Medicare or Medicaid.
Enhancements in Medication Management
The NovoCare program also enhances patient experience by providing home delivery services and refill reminders for Wegovy prescriptions. This can facilitate better adherence to treatment plans, making the process more convenient for patients.
Impact of the FDA on Wegovy Availability
Recent developments in the pharmaceutical landscape have created an opportunity for Novo Nordisk to offer Wegovy at this lower price point. Notably, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had previously removed Wegovy from a drug shortage list earlier this year, enabling the company to meet market demand more effectively. When medications are classified as being in short supply, compounding pharmacies are legally allowed to produce alternative versions, which are not covered by insurance if they have not received FDA approval.
The Value of FDA Approval
“NovoCare Pharmacy offers patients access to authentic, FDA-approved Wegovy, helping to avoid the significant risks that can be posed by the compounding marketplace,” stated Novo Nordisk in their official announcement. The company emphasizes the assurance that comes with FDA approval, signifying thorough evaluations for safety and efficacy.
Market Alternatives and Concerns
In recent years, the emergence of telehealth services has led to the availability of lower-cost, off-brand alternatives for obesity medications, including semaglutide and tirzepatide. Companies like Hims & Hers and Ro have been known to collaborate with state-licensed compounding pharmacies to provide these alternatives at prices ranging from $130 to $300 per month.
Regulatory Developments in Compounding
As regulatory landscapes evolve, the FDA has set a deadline of April 22 for traditional compounding pharmacies to transition their patients from compounded semaglutide options to the FDA-approved brand-name medications, such as Wegovy.
Comparative Programs in the Market
Similarly, Eli Lilly has expanded its own program, LillyDirect, which offers Zepbound—another anti-obesity drug—at reduced rates for individuals lacking insurance coverage. LillyDirect also facilitates telehealth consultations for patients to receive prescriptions. However, the rise of such programs raises concerns about potential overprescribing, calling for attention to the importance of a solid patient-physician relationship.
Conclusion: A Patient-Centric Approach
While NovoCare does not currently integrate telehealth services to dispense prescriptions, patients can access case management support to address queries regarding Wegovy. As Novo Nordisk and other pharmaceutical companies navigate the evolving healthcare landscape, these initiatives reflect a growing recognition of the need for accessibility in obesity management solutions.
What This Means For You
Novo Nordisk’s NovoCare program will provide uninsured and underinsured patients with a monthly supply of Wegovy for $499, offering a significant reduction from the standard list price.
