GLP-1 list prices vs. net prices

GLP-1s: why are they so expensive?

List prices for GLP-1s are up (or holding steady).
Net prices? They’re dropping.

According to Becker's Healthcare “Net prices for many GLP-1s have decreased since 2022. They’re now between 24% and 73% lower than list prices.” https://lnkd.in/ebb7X6Eg

Here’s the breakdown:
• Zepbound: $809
• Saxenda: $703
• Wegovy: $649
• Ozempic: $290

Yet GoodRx (a cash PBM) lists Ozempic at $944/month. https://lnkd.in/ek2Ns-Mf
If GoodRx has that $290 net price, that’s a $654 markup.

So, what’s happening?
• $290 covers profit, marketing, research, manufacturing, distribution, and delivery.
• The $654 gap? It’s going to layers of “rebates,” arbitrage, and opaque pricing structures.

What’s the real cost?
An analysis in JAMA analysis suggests GLP-1s could cost as little as $0.75 to $72.49/month. https://lnkd.in/egwA6RgR

But instead of debating their safety or efficacy, we’re stuck focusing on affordability—thanks to these pricing games.

Here’s my challenge to plan sponsors and advisors:
Root out this rent-seeking behavior. It’s costing businesses and patients alike.

The image shows the impact that paying what Denmark pays for the same drugs from the same manufacturers would have on our overall spending. https://lnkd.in/ehfcHNnQ

Let’s focus on transparency and fairness.