President Donald Trump has announced a groundbreaking deal with Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to sharply lower the prices of Ozempic and Wegovy, two of the most in-demand GLP-1 weight-loss drugs.
Under the agreement, monthly costs will drop to about $250, while new GLP-1 drugs entering the market will launch with a maximum price of $149.
For the first time, Medicare will also cover these medications, allowing qualified patients to pay roughly $50 per month in co-pays.
Launch of “TrumpRX” and Wider Access
As part of the plan, the administration will debut a new federal purchasing platform called “TrumpRX.”
This website will let consumers buy GLP-1 medications directly from the government at reduced prices.
Trump added that Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk have agreed to give Medicaid access to their products at the lowest international prices, often called “most favored-nation” pricing.
“They want to use my name, Trump — it better be good,” the president joked during the announcement.
New Manufacturing and Economic Impact
The two drugmakers plan to expand U.S. production by building new manufacturing facilities, a move expected to boost domestic supply and create jobs.
Originally developed for type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy work by mimicking a natural hormone that controls blood sugar and appetite.
Their success in promoting weight loss has turned them into a global health and wellness trend.
Market Reaction and Eligibility
Following the announcement, Eli Lilly (LLY) shares climbed by about 1%, while Novo Nordisk (NVO) slipped roughly 4% amid a general market dip.
About 10% of Medicare recipients are expected to qualify for the new coverage, based on body-mass index, prediabetes, or cardiovascular disease status.
The plan is set to take effect mid-2026, with a Medicaid pilot scheduled for 2027.
“Obesity drives nearly half of America’s chronic diseases and healthcare costs,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. “This agreement helps make life-changing treatment affordable for millions.”
The Path Forward
Insurers have yet to confirm whether they will relax existing coverage restrictions, which have long been limited due to high prices and high demand.
Trump called the agreement “a great day for American health,” saying it will reduce national healthcare spending while improving access to advanced treatments.
“These drugs are miracles for many people,” he said. “Now, Americans will finally be able to afford them.”
What It Means for Patients
The price cuts for Ozempic and Wegovy could reshape how the United States treats obesity and diabetes, providing affordable access to millions who previously couldn’t afford these life-changing medications.
If fully implemented, this move may mark one of the most significant healthcare reforms in years — lowering costs, boosting access, and reshaping the weight-loss drug market
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