Pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk has announced plans to significantly slash the wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) in the United States for its entire semaglutide portfolio. According to the roadmap, a new list price of $675 per month will take effect on January 1, 2027, covering both injectable and oral formulations of its obesity treatments (Wegovy) and type 2 diabetes medications (Ozempic, Rybelsus).
This adjustment represents a 50% reduction for Wegovy and a 35% cut for Ozempic compared to current list prices. Company representatives stated that the move aims to directly benefit patients on high-deductible health plans or co-insurance designs, where out-of-pocket costs are directly linked to the drug’s list price. Notably, the implementation date aligns with the start of lower Medicare prices mandated under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
However, analysts suggest the actual impact might be limited for the majority of users. This is because the new list prices do not affect direct-to-patient, self-pay channels, which currently hold an overwhelming share of Novo’s commercial strategy. Currently, through pricing agreements with the White House, self-pay patients can already access Wegovy at significantly lower rates (approximately $349 per month) via platforms like TrumpRx.gov or the company’s direct pharmacy systems.