Novo Nordisk

Danish pharmaceutical company and one of three major insulin manufacturers controlling 90% of U.S. market. - Implementing additional insulin price cuts in 2026

On January 1, 2026, two unprecedented insulin programs launched simultaneously: nonprofit Civica Rx began distributing insulin glargine pens for $55 per box, while California became the first state to sell its own CalRx-branded insulin at the same price point—both undercutting branded products by up to 90%. The coordinated launches mark the first major breach in a pricing fortress built by three pharmaceutical giants who control 90% of the U.S. insulin market. Unlike existing insulin, these products require no insurance forms, no rebates, no hidden markups. Just one transparent price available to anyone.

Updated Feb 10

Manufacturer of semaglutide-based GLP-1s Ozempic and Wegovy, which generated over $11 billion in H1 2024. - Launched first oral GLP-1 weight loss pill; negotiating BALANCE participation

Medicare has been banned from covering weight loss drugs since 2003. CMS launched the BALANCE voluntary model in December 2025 to work around the law—negotiating $50-per-month access to Ozempic, Wegovy, and similar blockbusters for 10% of Medicare enrollees starting July 2026. The workaround: don't call it weight loss coverage, call it treatment for chronic disease with specific comorbidities. Manufacturer applications closed January 8, 2026, with negotiations continuing through February 28.

Updated Jan 14