Generic Ozempic and Wegovy Could Cost as Little as $3 a Month, Study Finds
Generic versions of Novo Nordisk’s blockbuster drugs Ozempic and Wegovy could be available for under $3 a month, according to a latest study from the University of Liverpool. This potential price reduction underscores the possibility of significantly expanding access to these powerful weight-loss and diabetes medications globally.
Potential for Dramatic Cost Reduction
Researchers at the University of Liverpool estimate that a year’s supply of generic injectable semaglutide, the active ingredient in both Ozempic and Wegovy, could cost between $28 and $140. This is a substantial decrease compared to Novo Nordisk’s current U.S. List price of $1,027.51 for Ozempic and $1,349 for Wegovy Fox Business. Novo Nordisk has pledged to reduce these prices to $675 per month starting January 1, 2027 CNBC.
Direct-to-consumer prices for Wegovy are currently lower, averaging around $349 per month for most doses.
Global Availability of Generics
Generic Ozempic is expected to become available in major markets, including India, Brazil, China, and Canada, this year, reshaping the pharmaceutical landscape in those countries. Analysts predict that price competition could drive the monthly cost down to as low as $15 in some nations Fox Business.
The study identified 150 additional countries with no patent filings for semaglutide, meaning generic versions could potentially be available in a total of 160 countries, representing 69% of the global type 2 diabetes population and 84% of individuals with obesity PR Newswire.
Cost Analysis and Manufacturing
The researchers calculated the cost of generic semaglutide by analyzing shipment records from 2024 and 2025 of key ingredients, along with estimated manufacturing costs, including packaging, taxes, and profit. Their methodology mirrors a previous study in 2024 that found Ozempic could be produced profitably for less than $5 a month.
The study found that oral versions of the drug would be more expensive than injectable forms, costing between $186 and $380 per year. The cost of the drug ingredient itself for injected versions was minimal, ranging from a penny to 12 cents per dose. Injection pens were estimated to add between 30 cents and $2.50 per device Fierce Pharma.
Importance of Device Production
The affordability of generic semaglutide will largely depend on the mass production of low-cost injection devices, according to the researchers. The team released their findings promptly to provide health authorities with greater visibility as they negotiate prices for generic semaglutide.
Novo Nordisk’s Price Reduction Plans
Novo Nordisk announced plans to cut the U.S. Wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) of its semaglutide products to $675 per month, effective January 1, 2027 Fierce Pharma. This applies to both injectable and oral Wegovy, as well as injectable Ozempic and oral Rybelsus. The reduction represents a 50% decrease for Wegovy and a 35% decrease for Ozempic.
These list price changes will not affect direct-to-patient, self-pay prescriptions, which remain a key part of Novo Nordisk’s commercial strategy Fierce Pharma.