Health
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Wegovy Access Expands: Novo Nordisk Partners with Telehealth Giants
Wegovy Access Expands Through Telehealth Partnerships
Novo Nordisk is significantly expanding access to its blockbuster weight-loss drug, Wegovy, by partnering with major telehealth providers. The move comes as the company seeks to capitalize on increased demand and the recent crackdown on compounded versions of the drug.
The Danish pharmaceutical giant announced partnerships with Hims & Hers Health, Ro, and LifeMD. Patients will be able to order Wegovy directly through these telehealth platforms, receiving it through Novo Nordisk's new direct-to-consumer online pharmacy, NovoCare. NovoCare offers Wegovy at a discounted price of $499 per month for uninsured patients, a roughly 63% reduction from the usual list price of approximately $1,350. While this is the price through NovoCare, individual telehealth companies may charge more, potentially including additional services in their pricing. For example, Hims & Hers will offer Wegovy starting at $599 per month, including 24/7 care, nutritional guidance, and clinical support.
This strategy follows the discontinuation of many compounded versions of Wegovy, which had gained popularity during periods of shortage. The FDA has placed legal restrictions on the production and sale of these unapproved, cheaper alternatives, prompting Novo Nordisk to proactively increase access to its branded medication. Dave Moore, Novo Nordisk's executive vice president of U.S. operations, stated that these collaborations are designed to provide a seamless patient experience by facilitating direct-to-home delivery. Hims & Hers CEO Andrew Dudum views the partnership as a model for improving patient access and pricing for similar treatments.
This initiative mirrors Eli Lilly's strategy with its obesity drug, Zepbound, although Lilly clarified it has no affiliation with Hims & Hers' distribution. The move by Novo Nordisk to broaden access to Wegovy through telehealth platforms represents a significant shift in the market, providing greater convenience and affordability options for patients seeking this popular weight-management treatment. The partnerships solidify the role of telehealth in expanding access to prescription medications.
Novo Nordisk is significantly expanding access to its blockbuster weight-loss drug, Wegovy, by partnering with major telehealth providers. The move comes as the company seeks to capitalize on increased demand and the recent crackdown on compounded versions of the drug.
The Danish pharmaceutical giant announced partnerships with Hims & Hers Health, Ro, and LifeMD. Patients will be able to order Wegovy directly through these telehealth platforms, receiving it through Novo Nordisk's new direct-to-consumer online pharmacy, NovoCare. NovoCare offers Wegovy at a discounted price of $499 per month for uninsured patients, a roughly 63% reduction from the usual list price of approximately $1,350. While this is the price through NovoCare, individual telehealth companies may charge more, potentially including additional services in their pricing. For example, Hims & Hers will offer Wegovy starting at $599 per month, including 24/7 care, nutritional guidance, and clinical support.
This strategy follows the discontinuation of many compounded versions of Wegovy, which had gained popularity during periods of shortage. The FDA has placed legal restrictions on the production and sale of these unapproved, cheaper alternatives, prompting Novo Nordisk to proactively increase access to its branded medication. Dave Moore, Novo Nordisk's executive vice president of U.S. operations, stated that these collaborations are designed to provide a seamless patient experience by facilitating direct-to-home delivery. Hims & Hers CEO Andrew Dudum views the partnership as a model for improving patient access and pricing for similar treatments.
This initiative mirrors Eli Lilly's strategy with its obesity drug, Zepbound, although Lilly clarified it has no affiliation with Hims & Hers' distribution. The move by Novo Nordisk to broaden access to Wegovy through telehealth platforms represents a significant shift in the market, providing greater convenience and affordability options for patients seeking this popular weight-management treatment. The partnerships solidify the role of telehealth in expanding access to prescription medications.
