Wegovy discounted for all cash-paying U.S. customers

Novo Nordisk has announced that its weight-loss drug, Wegovy, will now be available at a discounted price for all cash-paying customers in the United States. The price will be $499 per month at local pharmacies. Previously, the discounted price was only offered through the NovoCare Pharmacy program. The decision comes as Novo Nordisk faces increased competition from rival Eli Lilly and concerns about its future drug developments. Shares of Novo Nordisk fell over 2.5% following the news. The company, based in Denmark, has lost its position as Europe's largest firm to German company SAP. Both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have been adjusting their pricing strategies in the weight-loss drug market. Recently, Lilly reduced prices for its own drug, Zepbound, to stay competitive. Wegovy can cost more than $1,000 a month for those without insurance. This high cost has faced criticism from public figures, including former President Joe Biden and Senator Bernie Sanders. The updated program allows uninsured patients or those with commercial insurance without coverage for obesity medicines to access Wegovy at the new lower price. This replaces the previous offer that charged $650 for a month's supply.