GoodRx (NASDAQ:GDRX) jumped 18% after revealing a partnership with Novo Nordisk (NYSE:NVO) to offer Ozempic and Wegovy to eligible self-paying patients at a monthly price of $499.
This agreement represents a notable price cut for these widely used GLP-1 medications and marks the first time Ozempic is available at this self-pay rate. The program is effective immediately and accessible at over 70,000 retail pharmacies nationwide.
The announcement comes amid surging demand for GLP-1 drugs. GoodRx reported that nearly 17 million people visited its platform last year seeking pricing information and discounts for these medications—a 22% increase year-over-year.
“Demand for GLP-1 medications is at an all-time high, but too many Americans still face barriers accessing them,” said Wendy Barnes, President and CEO of GoodRx. “By partnering with Novo Nordisk, we’re taking a significant step forward in making these innovative brand-name treatments more accessible for millions of people who need them.”
The collaboration addresses a major gap in the market, as many patients lack insurance coverage for GLP-1 therapies, particularly when prescribed for weight management. GoodRx’s research indicates that 19 million people have no coverage for GLP-1s used for this purpose.
Shares of rival Hims & Hers Health slipped 2.3% after the announcement, reflecting investor concerns that the GoodRx-Novo Nordisk deal could disrupt other players in telehealth and prescription drug markets.
Through this partnership, GoodRx can use its platform to deliver savings directly to patients seeking FDA-approved treatments for type 2 diabetes and obesity, potentially speeding up access to these high-demand therapies.
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