Novo Nordisk & GoodRx Shake Up Drug Pricing: Ozempic At $499 Sends Shockwaves!

Novo Nordisk has taken a bold step in reshaping the U.S. pharmaceutical landscape by partnering with GoodRx to offer its blockbuster Type 2 diabetes drug, Ozempic, directly to consumers at $499 per month—about half its traditional list price. Announced in mid-August 2025, the move mirrors the company’s earlier direct-to-consumer strategy for Wegovy, its obesity drug, and is designed to capture uninsured or underinsured patients struggling with access. While Novo says that 98% of insured patients already have coverage for Ozempic, the new program aims to expand access to those outside the system through Novo’s own telehealth storefront and GoodRx’s nationwide pharmacy network. GoodRx shares soared nearly 30% on the announcement, reflecting investor confidence that this partnership could materially reposition the company in the drug distribution ecosystem. Novo Nordisk’s ADRs also gained on the news, highlighting how direct-to-consumer pricing is becoming a powerful lever in the competitive GLP-1 market against Eli Lilly and compounded alternatives.