Novo Nordisk agrees to major deal in the United States that will slash the soaring price of Ozempic and Wegovy for millions of Americans struggling with obesity

The soaring prices of popular weight-loss medications may soon drop significantly, giving millions of Americans new hope for access to treatment.

Novo Nordisk, the Danish pharmaceutical giant behind Ozempic and Wegovy, has agreed to a major deal that will make its blockbuster drugs more affordable.

Price Cuts Could Redefine Access to Ozempic and Wegovy

Novo Nordisk confirmed on Wednesday that it had reached an agreement to reduce the cost of semaglutide — the active ingredient used in both Ozempic and Wegovy.

While the company has not publicly disclosed the final pricing, insiders speaking to The Washington Post revealed that the monthly cost could fall to around $149 in some cases.

That’s a dramatic drop from today’s retail prices — currently around $1,000 for Ozempic and nearly $1,800 for Wegovy.

Even with insurance coverage and discount programs, many patients have found these drugs financially out of reach.

Medicare Coverage Could Expand for Millions of Americans

According to those familiar with the deal, the price reduction will also come with expanded coverage under certain Medicare plans, potentially reaching 60 million Americans over 65.

The lower prices are expected to take effect in 2027, though the exact rollout date has yet to be determined.

The move could reshape healthcare for older adults struggling with obesity, a demographic where one in three are classified as obese.

However, doctors warn that affordability alone won’t solve the entire issue.

Doctors Applaud the Move but Urge Caution

Medical experts say cheaper access to GLP-1 medications could have an enormous public health impact — but there are downsides.

Dr. Stuart Fischer, an internal medicine physician based in New York, told Daily Mail that while the development is “good because it helps with obesity, one of America’s biggest health crises,” it could also be “bad because the weight loss is often not permanent.”

He pointed out that many users experience weight regain after stopping the drug — a common issue since up to three in four GLP-1 users discontinue treatment within their first year.

Behind the Scenes: The Trump Administration’s Role

This major announcement came just a day after reports surfaced that Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly — maker of Zepbound and Mounjaro — were working with the Trump administration on similar pricing agreements.

These deals aim to lower the cost of weight-loss drugs in exchange for broader Medicare coverage.

While Medicare already covers Ozempic and Wegovy for diabetes and Zepbound for sleep apnea, it currently does not cover weight-loss use.

This could soon change under a new pilot program being developed by Medicare’s Innovation Center, which plans to cap costs for eligible beneficiaries.

TrumpRx and the Push for “Most-Favored-Nation” Pricing

The partnership is part of a wider initiative known as TrumpRx, a soon-to-launch platform promising to offer prescription drugs at prices comparable to the lowest available in other developed countries.

Officials said the site will operate under a “most-favored-nation” policy — ensuring Americans pay no more than patients abroad.

Former President Donald Trump said in an earlier announcement that the plan could bring GLP-1 drug prices down from about $1,300 to just $150.

Meanwhile, Mehmet Oz, head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, emphasized that negotiations are ongoing and final agreements have not yet been signed.

Eli Lilly’s Plans and the Race for Faster Approvals

Pharma giant Eli Lilly is also joining the movement, preparing to submit its next-generation obesity treatment, orforglipron, to a federal fast-track program.

Under this initiative, drugmakers who agree to lower their prices could receive priority review vouchers to speed up FDA approval processes.

Why Lifestyle Still Matters

Despite the breakthrough, health experts remind the public that medication is only part of the solution.

Dr. Fischer cautioned that older adults — especially those over 65 — might struggle to maintain healthy habits even while on these drugs.

“This group is more likely to have ingrained bad habits and less likely to follow a strict diet,” he said.

While GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy have proven effective at reducing obesity and improving conditions such as diabetes, physicians insist that regular exercise and balanced nutrition remain critical to long-term success.

What Comes Next?

With the Trump administration, pharmaceutical companies, and Medicare all moving toward the same goal, the coming years could mark a turning point in the affordability of weight-loss medications.

If the projected 2027 rollout holds, millions of Americans — particularly seniors — could soon access the life-changing benefits of GLP-1 treatments at a fraction of today’s prices.

Still, experts warn that lasting results will depend not just on affordability, but on consistency, education, and healthy lifestyle choices alongside medical treatment.