GoodRx and Novo Nordisk announced a partnership that makes Ozempic and Wegovy available to eligible self-paying patients for $499 per month.
Announced last week, this initiative -- aimed to address the affordability of GLP-1 medications -- marks the first time Ozempic has been offered at this price point, providing a significant discount for two of the most sought-after medications in the US.
The collaboration not only expands access to these treatments but also highlights the evolving relationship between pharmaceutical companies and digital health platforms.
"The partnership with Novo Nordisk is a strong example of how GoodRx can leverage its extensive reach and scale of nearly 30 million consumers and over 1 million healthcare professionals annually to deliver meaningful savings on FDA-approved medications to people who might otherwise be priced out of therapy," Divya Iyer, senior vice president of go-to-market strategy at GoodRx told BioXconomy.
"We're excited to partner with Novo Nordisk to offer the first GLP-1 cash price on our platform for both Ozempic and Wegovy," she said.
The demand for GLP-1 medications, which are used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, has surged in recent years. According to GoodRx, nearly 17 million people searched their platform information and ways to save on these medications in the past year -- a 22% increase compared to the previous year. And despite their popularity, many Americans face barriers to accessing these treatments due to high costs and limited insurance coverage.
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"We are always looking for ways to make prescriptions more affordable and accessible, and we partner with all pharmaceutical companies who want to deliver savings through our platform," she said, elaborating on the motivation behind the partnership.
Digital health platforms like GoodRx are increasingly serving as direct-to-consumer (DTC) storefronts, enabling pharmaceutical companies to reach patients more effectively.
"The launch of GLP-1s for the treatment of obesity was the inflection point in healthcare that accelerated how patients used platforms like GoodRx to 'shop' for medications online. For pharmaceutical companies, GoodRx represents a ready-made DTC storefront with scale and trust."
By breaking down cost barriers, manufacturers can make previously unaffordable treatments attainable for consumers with valid prescriptions. "GLP-1s are at the forefront of this change, and our work with Novo Nordisk serves as a blueprint for how pharma and digital health platforms can reimagine drug access models for the future," Iyer said.
The $499-per-month price point for Ozempic and Wegovy represents a major milestone in making these medications more affordable for self-paying patients, Iyer noted. Without insurance, the average retail price for Ozempic is $1,000 to $1,200 a month (around $12,000 or more a year), while Wegovy has a list price of $1,350 for a 28-day supply, which adds up to about $16,200 annually, according to GoodRx. Patients could save up to $500 to $800 per month with this new price model.
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Eligible consumers include those who are commercially insured or uninsured and wish to self-pay.
"Eligible consumers can use GoodRx at more than 70,000 pharmacies nationwide to access the $499 per month price. This marks the first time Ozempic has been available to consumers at this cash price, expanding access for people who would otherwise be priced out of therapy."
With national discussions on drug pricing gaining momentum, there is increasing pressure on pharmaceutical companies to offer direct cash prices to consumers, Iyer noted.
"GoodRx is well positioned to help pharmaceutical manufacturers sell their brands directly to patients because we already operate at the intersection of pricing transparency, patient engagement, and pharmacy fulfillment, which are the core building blocks of a DTC model."
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Looking ahead, Iyer said GoodRx plans to launch a GLP-1 subscription model later this year, which will streamline the process for consumers to consult with healthcare professionals, determine eligibility, and access FDA-approved medications.
"By filling the gaps left by insurance, GoodRx is reducing friction in the system and accelerating speed to therapy so consumers can benefit from these life-changing treatments," she said.