Amazon Pharmacy starts offering Novo Nordisk's Wegovy weight-loss pill

Core Insights - Amazon has begun offering Novo Nordisk's Wegovy weight-loss pill through its digital pharmacy, marking a significant expansion into the obesity treatment market [1][2] - The oral version of Wegovy is priced at $149 per month for cash-paying patients, while those with insurance can access it for as low as $25 per month [1][2] Group 1: Market Entry and Pricing - Wegovy enters the market with competitive cash prices, challenging the dominance of costly weekly injections from competitors like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly [2] - The availability of Wegovy on Amazon highlights Novo Nordisk's strategy to reach new patients beyond traditional distribution channels [2] Group 2: Amazon's Healthcare Strategy - Amazon plans to offer Wegovy through prescription vending kiosks in select One Medical clinics, further integrating into the healthcare sector [3] - Amazon Pharmacy, launched in 2020, aims to capitalize on the multitrillion-dollar U.S. healthcare industry, following its acquisition of PillPack and One Medical [3] Group 3: Service Features and Revenue Potential - Amazon Pharmacy offers same-day prescription delivery to nearly half of U.S. consumers, enhancing user attraction through speedy service and price transparency [4] - Analysts estimate that Amazon Pharmacy could generate approximately $2 billion in annual revenue, although user numbers remain undisclosed [4] Group 4: Partnerships and Competitors - WeightWatchers has partnered with Amazon Pharmacy to deliver weight-loss medications, and Amazon has also collaborated with Eli Lilly for prescription medication delivery [5] - Wegovy is available at over 70,000 U.S. pharmacies and select telehealth providers, indicating a broad distribution strategy [6] Group 5: Future Developments - Cash-paying patients can also access Wegovy through President Trump's direct-to-consumer website, TrumpRx, under a deal with Novo Nordisk [7] - Eli Lilly is expected to gain FDA approval for a rival obesity pill later this year, indicating increasing competition in the obesity treatment market [8]