Injectable GLP-1s for diabetes and obesity are the fastest-growing drug spend category for payers. Now, a new market entry from Novo Nordisk has changed the game.
The Wegovy (semaglutide) pill is the first FDA-approved oral GLP-1 medication for weight loss and cardiovascular risk reduction. The monthly cost could be less than $150 (at the lowest dose) for cash-paying customers, significantly lower than the $1,500 cost of a weekly injection. For people with insurance, the cost may be as low as $25 per month when using manufacturer coupons.
The convenience of oral GLP-1s, coupled with direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales, will likely drive demand for specialty weight-loss drugs even higher in 2026. Health plans, already experiencing increased utilization and rising medical costs, must adapt their coverage and utilization management strategies without eroding member satisfaction.
