In a major healthcare breakthrough, Novo Nordisk, the Danish pharmaceutical powerhouse, has reached an agreement to drastically lower prices for its best-selling weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy both of which contain the active ingredient semaglutide. The reduction will take effect under the U.S. Medicare scheme, expanding access to millions of Americans aged 65 and above who have struggled to afford these medications.

Though the company has not publicly disclosed new prices, insiders suggest monthly costs could fall to as little as $149, a striking decrease from the current $1,000 per month for Ozempic and roughly $1,800 for Wegovy. These price cuts are expected to begin in 2027, according to early reports shared with Reuters. This move follows months of negotiation between Novo Nordisk and U.S. officials to make obesity drugs more accessible to Medicare beneficiaries.

The development aligns with the Trump administration’s broader strategy to curb prescription drug costs through Medicare negotiation. White House officials hinted at similar upcoming deals with other pharmaceutical firms, including Eli Lilly — manufacturer of Zepbound and Mounjaro to extend Medicare coverage for weight-loss uses. At present, Medicare only covers these drugs for diabetes or sleep apnea, not for obesity, despite mounting pressure from public health advocates.

According to reports, the semaglutide deal forms part of a Medicare Innovation Center pilot program designed to cap drug costs for eligible seniors. Given that nearly one in three Americans over 65 are obese, this policy could significantly ease financial burdens while improving long-term health outcomes. Dr. Stuart Fischer, a New York-based internist, described the decision as “transformative,” yet cautioned that weight regain remains a persistent issue. Data from Epic Research shows that one in five users regain all lost weight within 12 months after discontinuing treatment.

Dr. Fischer further warned that sustained results depend on strict adherence to lifestyle changes. Older patients, he said, often find it challenging to maintain dietary discipline or regular exercise, both of which are critical for the drugs’ effectiveness. Common side effects, including nausea and fatigue, also contribute to discontinuation rates with up to three in four GLP-1 users reportedly stopping the medication within a year.

The Trump administration’s ongoing push for price transparency extends beyond Novo Nordisk. In September, officials announced a sweeping deal with Pfizer to lower costs across its product line, to be featured on an upcoming “TrumpRx” platform. The initiative adopts a most-favored-nation pricing model ensuring U.S. consumers pay no more than patients in other developed nations. Meanwhile, Eli Lilly has plans to fast-track its new oral obesity drug, orforglipron, under a federal incentive program that rewards companies with discounted prices and expedited FDA reviews.

Despite the fanfare, Mehmet Oz, current head of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, confirmed that negotiations around GLP-1 pricing remain ongoing. He described the talks as “complex but necessary,” emphasizing the administration’s goal of balancing affordability, innovation, and public health impact. For millions of Americans battling obesity, however, this agreement signals hope and the promise of long-awaited access to life-changing medications.