The first pill version of the blockbuster GLP-1 weight loss drug has been launched in the US by Novo Nordisk at a lower price than jab varieties, intensifying a price war in the region.
The Danish pharmaceutical company said on Monday that its once-a-day Wegovi pill, which received approval from the US regulator just before Christmas, is now available in the country.
It launched the drug – the first and only pill on the market that mimics the GLP-1 hormone to reduce appetite – at a significantly lower price than injectable versions.
Novo, which is best known for its hit Vegovy and Ozempic injections for obesity and diabetes respectively, said the launch “opens up new possibilities for the more than 100 million Americans living with obesity”.
Self-pay patients can purchase the pill at a price of $5 (£3.70) per day or $149 per month for a starting dose of 1.5 mg. In addition to being more affordable, the new version is expected to have widespread appeal by being needle-free and easy for the patient to fit into their daily routine.
The 4mg dose will also be available for $149 per month until April 15, then $199, while the highest dose will cost $299 per month. Patients with insurance pay from $25 per month.
UBS pharmaceutical analyst Matt Weston said the price was lower than expected. U.S. list prices for weight-loss jabs run about $1,000 a month or more, although Novo Nordisk began selling its Wegovi injection to cash payers in November at $349 a month.
Novo Nordisk’s share price rose more than 4% on Monday on news of the launch, but is still 44% lower than last year amid stiff competition from US rival Eli Lilly’s Jabs Monjaro and Zepbound.
The Danish company, once Europe’s most valuable company, hopes the pill will help it regain market share after issuing multiple profit warnings, cutting thousands of jobs and appointing new management last year.
Both Novo and Eli Lilly have reduced the prices of their jabs for people buying with cash rather than using health insurance.
The Vegovi pill has so far been approved only in the US. The initial dose is now available at more than 70,000 U.S. pharmacies such as CVS and Costco, as well as some telehealth providers including RO, LifeMD and Weight Watchers. Higher doses will become available later this week.
Patients paying cash will also be able to purchase an initial dose of the pill on Donald Trump’s direct-to-consumer website, TrumpRx, for $149 per month.
Eli Lilly is working on its own anti-obesity pill and, if approved, plans to set higher doses at $399 per month for patients paying cash.
“We know there are people who are interested in losing weight, but are waiting for the drug that is right for them,” said Ed Sinka, senior vice president of marketing and patient solutions at Novo Nordisk.
“For many of them, that wait is over because we can now offer the powerful efficacy of Wegovi in a single daily pill that demonstrates approximately 17% weight loss if all patients stay on treatment.”
The UK’s drug regulator is reviewing the company’s application for its Vegovy pill and is expected to make a decision on whether to approve it before the end of the year.
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