Novo Nordisk is making its popular weight-loss drug, Wegovy, more accessible than ever before. The company announced a significant partnership with major telehealth providers Hims & Hers Health, Ro, and Life MD, opening up a new avenue for patients seeking this groundbreaking treatment.
This strategic move comes at a critical time. With many compounding pharmacies now legally restricted from producing cheaper, unapproved versions of Wegovy (with rare exceptions), Novo Nordisk is seizing the opportunity to capture a larger market share. During periods of Wegovy shortages, compounded versions experienced a surge in popularity due to high demand and cost considerations. This partnership directly addresses the resulting shift in the market and provides a streamlined solution for patients.
Dave Moore, executive vice president of U.S. operations at Novo Nordisk, explained the rationale behind this collaboration, emphasizing the importance of providing convenient access to branded Wegovy as compounded alternatives become less available. He highlighted the positive response to the branded drug, expressing optimism in attracting patients transitioning from compounded medications.
The process is designed for seamless patient experience. Through these telehealth partnerships, patients can access Novo Nordisk’s new direct-to-consumer online pharmacy, NovoCare, making it incredibly easy to receive Wegovy directly to their homes. NovoCare offers Wegovy for $499 per month (in cash), approximately half the usual list price, for uninsured patients. It’s important to note that the pricing through each telehealth provider might vary, likely due to the inclusion of additional services.
Hims & Hers, for example, will offer Wegovy starting at $599 per month for eligible cash-paying patients, including 24/7 care, nutritional guidance, and ongoing clinical support. CEO Andrew Dudum views this partnership as a valuable case study, demonstrating how patients can access high-quality medications and treatments with improved accessibility and pricing models. The company’s past experience with compounded semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic) has shaped their approach to this collaboration.
This partnership comes against a backdrop of evolving regulations surrounding compounded medications. While compounding pharmacies are permitted to produce alternatives during FDA-declared shortages or for specific medical needs, the practice has faced scrutiny due to the lack of FDA approval for these compounded drugs. Larger compounding pharmacies face stricter deadlines than smaller ones, leading to a significant market shift which Novo Nordisk is actively navigating.
The collaboration between Novo Nordisk and these telehealth companies represents a significant step toward making effective weight management solutions more accessible and convenient for a wider range of patients. This strategic move is likely to reshape the landscape of weight loss treatment in the coming years, setting a precedent for other pharmaceutical companies to follow suit.
