Novo Nordisk, the pharmaceutical company behind the GLP-1 weight-loss drug Wegovy, has announced a new subscription program designed to make the medication more accessible and affordable for self-pay patients.

Lower, Predictable Costs for Wegovy

The program, launched on Tuesday, March 31, promises “a lower, predictable monthly price” for individuals who do not have traditional health insurance coverage. Subscribers can save up to $1,200 per year on the Wegovy injection with a 12-month subscription.

Subscription Details and Options

Self-pay patients can choose from three-, six-, or 12-month subscription plans. The program is available through telehealth services like Ro, WeightWatchers, and LifeMD. Patients will pay a consistent price for the injection regardless of the Wegovy dose required.

A six-month subscription costs $299 per month, representing a $600 annual savings. Currently, lower doses are available at a reduced rate as part of a limited-time offer, with a six-month subscription costing $269 per month and saving $360 annually. The program covers both 9 milligram and 25 milligram doses.

Expert Perspective on the Program

Jamey Millar, Novo Nordisk’s executive vice president of U.S. operations, stated, “We want patients to stay with therapy over time, and that’s what this subscription model encourages.”

Dr. Jorge Moreno, an obesity specialist at Yale Medicine, noted that 20-25% of his patients currently pay for GLP-1 drugs out of pocket due to unpredictable insurance coverage. He believes the subscription plan could be beneficial, stating, “This subscription plan could help them if they are able to afford $250 a month, which is still a lot.”

Potential Limitations and Considerations

Dr. Moreno also raised concerns about potential limitations, particularly regarding membership fees associated with the telehealth platforms. He cautioned that these fees could offset any savings for some patients.

He also emphasized the importance of understanding the terms of the subscription, asking, “What are their options to signing up? What happens if the medication doesn’t work for them? What happens if the medication causes them significant side effects? How will that company address it? And what if they want to stop?”

Wegovy, like its counterpart Ozempic, contains semaglutide, a hormone that mimics the body’s natural appetite-suppressing mechanisms, leading to weight loss.