Costco and its healthcare partner Sesame have started offering weight-loss drugs including Ozempic to Costco members.
Under a $179 three-month prescription plan, members will have access to video consultations with a weight-loss doctor and an individualized, clinically-appropriate treatment program.
If deemed appropriate, doctors may prescribe injectable semaglutide, including Ozempic and Wegovy. The prescription plan does not cover the price of the drugs themselves.
Danish pharma giant Novo Nordisk (NYSE:NVO)’s blockbuster drug Ozempic, which was originally designed to treat Type 2 diabetes, has gained popularity for its weight loss properties.
Ozempic is the brand name for semaglutide, which works by mimicking a hormone that targets areas of the brain involved in appetite regulation, leading to reduced hunger and calorie intake.
Despite its effectiveness, the high cost has been a barrier for many, with non-insured users having to fork out up to $936 for a monthly treatment.
“We are witnessing important innovations in medically-supervised weight loss,” said David Goldhill, Sesame‘s co-founder and chief executive.
“Sesame’s unique model allows us not only to make high-quality specialty care like weight loss much more accessible and affordable, but also to empower clinicians to create care plans that are specific to — and appropriate for — each individual patient.”
The success of Ozempic and Wegovy has catapulted Novo Nordisk shares more than 60% year on year, making it Europe’s most-valuable company after surpassing luxury fashion conglomerate LVMH.