Ozempic pens. Courtesy of Novo Nordisk.

Novo Nordisk will offer Ozempic to eligible U.S. self-paying patients with type 2 diabetes for $499 per month, about half the drug’s list price. The move builds on the company’s earlier direct-to-consumer effort with Wegovy and comes amid rising competition from compounding pharmacies and rival Eli Lilly. The program is available through NovoCare Pharmacy with home delivery, as well as through retail partners like GoodRx.

Obesity expert Dr. Beverly Tchang noted in a post on LinkedIn that this option could help patients who previously sought lower-priced semaglutide from Canada, saying it reduces “logistical hurdles and tariff fears” by offering a U.S.-based alternative.

Eli Lilly already offers Zepbound at a discounted cash price through its LillyDirect program. While the company has not announced any similar move for Mounjaro, Novo Nordisk’s expansion may prompt Lilly to broaden its own offering.

Full details are available from Fierce Pharma’s coverage.