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The move comes as FDA’s grace period for compounded GLP-1s comes to an end.
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Semaglutide is one of the most popular new medications released in recent years. Due to its effectiveness in weight loss, Americans across all walks of life are trying to get their hands on medications such as Wegovy. Due to the high demand and the already hefty price tag, it’s no surprise that the market saw a significant rise in compounded semaglutide medications.
While the drugs were still on FDA’s shortage list, the agency was not enforcing compounding bans against semaglutide. However, that grace period ended nationwide on May 22, 2025.
In an effort to promote the use of genuine products, Novo Nordisk is offering a one-time first-month offer for Wegovy at $199.1 The offer is running through June 30, 2025. Following that, users purchasing the drug through Novo’s self-pay service will be charged $499 for a monthly supply of the medication.
In a press release, Novo Nordisk’s executive vice president of US operation Dave Moore said, “Mass compounding of 'semaglutide' is illegal, dangerous, and must stop now, which is why we are doubling down on our commitment to accessibility, availability, and affordability of authentic, FDA-approved Wegovy®. Novo Nordisk always puts patient safety first, and we urge all stakeholders, including the FDA, Boards of Pharmacy, and law enforcement, to take decisive action to uphold the highest quality standards of care."
Novo Nordisk is also launching a new marketing campaign titled Choose the Real Thing. The campaign promotes the use of FDA-approved products and will run on digital channels starting at the end of May.
Earlier this month, Novo announced that CVS Caremark chose Wegovy to be its preferred GLP-1 medication for obesity and weight-loss.2 This policy will go into effect at the start of July.
In a press release issued at the time, Moore explained, “We believe in the unique benefits of Wegovy® and the difference this medicine can make for patients seeking treatment. As the leader in obesity care for more than a decade, it is our responsibility to continue to work with others across the US healthcare system to find innovative opportunities to meet the needs of these patients and connect them with authentic, FDA-approved Wegovy® in a convenient and affordable way."
This is part of a larger effort from the company to push for the use of authentic and FDA-approved GLP-1s. In late April, Novo announced that it had entered into deals with a variety of telehealth services to make Wegovy available.3 These services include Hims & Hers, LifeMD, and other similar companies.
In a press release issued at the time, Moore said, “Wegovy® continues to be in high demand as there are 100 million Americans living with obesity. We believe patients living with this chronic disease who want and need treatment under the care of a licensed healthcare professional, including those embracing the growing telehealth community, deserve to get the real thing. Making Wegovy® available via these telehealth channels, with its clinically-tested weight loss in its premium pen delivery device, is an important step forward in allowing patients to receive care in the way they choose and helping them to achieve their weight loss goals with an authentic, FDA-approved medicine."
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