Costco Wholesale Company COST has launched a weight management program to help its members on their weight loss journey. The program will provide access to popular weight loss drugs from pharmaceutical giants Eli Lilly and Co LLY AND Novo Nordisk A/S NGO.
What happened: Costco’s new weight loss initiative, in partnership with Sesamea health marketplace, will offer members a three-month clinical consultation and other services for $179, Fox Business reported.
The program will allow doctors to prescribe drugs like those from Novo Nordisk Ozempico AND Wegsand that of Eli Lilly Mounjaro AND Direct in Zepwhich have gained popularity for their weight loss benefits.
Sesame CEO David Goldhill said: “We are seeing major innovations in medically supervised weight loss. Sesame’s unique model allows us to not only make high-quality specialty care like weight loss much more accessible and affordable, but also to enable doctors to create treatment plans that are specific and appropriate for each individual patient.”
This expanded partnership follows a previous collaboration between Costco and Sesame, which provided Costco members with discounted basic healthcare services. The new program is available to members in all 50 states.
See also: Elevance and CVS Health are the first Medicare insurers to cover Novo Nordisk Wegovy weight loss sensation
Because matter: The weight loss market has recently seen significant developments. Eli Lilly, for example, has faced increased competition in the weight-loss drug market, particularly with the launch of its own product, Zepbound. Despite this, the company has managed to maintain its strategic position and technical resilience, presenting an interesting investment opportunity.
Meanwhile, Novo Nordisk is under scrutiny for high prices for its diabetes drug, Ozempic, with the senator. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) considering holding hearings on the issue and requesting a meeting with the company’s CEO to discuss reducing the price of the drug.
Despite the controversy, demand for weight-loss drugs has surged, with Eli Lilly’s Zepbound overtaking Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy for the first time since its launch. A recent analysis also revealed that prolonged use of Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy is linked to greater weight loss, indicating the potential for continued growth in the weight-loss drug market.
Costco’s new program, which offers access to these popular weight loss medications, represents a significant addition to the evolving weight loss market. It provides its members with more accessible and convenient options for their weight management journey.
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