November 11 RxAdvocate November, 2025 — Newsletter
November Stories:
- Sam’s Club, Costco Selling Discounted Weight Loss Drugs Without Insurance. How Much Will They Cost?
- Rybelsus: Expanded Approval for MACE Risk Reduction
- New FDA Policy Could Accelerate Biosimilar Access and Affordability
- Austin Adventures with RxConnection
Sam’s Club, Costco Selling Discounted Weight Loss Drugs Without Insurance. How Much Will They Cost?
Sam’s Club and Costco are now partnering alongside Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer for popular GLP-1 medications Wegovy (for weight loss) and Ozempic (for diabetes), to offer these medications at a discount to shoppers without insurance. Costco is pricing the medication at $499 for a 30-day supply, representing an approximate 50% reduction compared to the standard out-of-pocket cost. Sam’s Club shoppers can get a 30-day supply of Ozempic or Wegovy for $499 using Novo Nordisk co-pay cards in addition to $12 same-day delivery. Similar deals are currently available through CVS and Walmart in addition to Novo Nordisk’s direct-to-consumer website. A prescription is still required to purchase the medications. The discount is beneficial because many plans do not cover the medication when used for weight loss.
Rybelsus: Expanded Approval for MACE Risk Reduction
On October 17, 2025, the FDA approved a label expansion for Novo Nordisk’s Rybelsus (semaglutide) to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, heart attack, stroke). Rybelsus was originally approved in 2019 as an addition to diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. The Rybelsus label expansion makes it the first and only oral GLP-1 receptor agonist with an indication for reducing the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events. Most prescription formularies often include Rybelsus at the same tier as Ozempic, with both requiring a prior authorization given the incline in off-label use of diabetes GLP-1 receptor agonists approved for type 2 diabetes for weight loss in patients without a type 2 diabetes diagnosis.
New FDA Policy Could Accelerate Biosimilar Access and Affordability
The FDA has issued new draft guidance that could dramatically accelerate the availability and affordability of biosimilars in the U.S., marking one of the most significant policy shifts in the biologics market to date. The proposed changes eliminate the requirement for comparative efficacy studies, allow automatic interchangeability for all biosimilars, encourage domestic manufacturing, and shorten overall approval timelines. This move could substantially reduce development costs and is expected to double or even triple biosimilar approvals in the coming years—particularly as nearly 184 biologics are set to lose exclusivity over the next decade. While the guidance is not yet final, the FDA has not provided a definitive timeline for implementation, and the draft remains open to further regulatory review. Stakeholders across the healthcare industry are closely monitoring the potential impact as the policy evolves.
These materials are provided for informational and educational purposes. The website links provided are for convenience only. RxConnection is not responsible for the accuracy and validity of the content of those websites.
Austin Adventures with RxConnection
The RxConnection team recently traveled to Austin, Texas for a company outing focused on teamwork, connection, and a little bit of well-earned fun. Throughout the trip, the team enjoyed a variety of activities that encouraged collaboration and strengthened relationships across departments. From exploring Austin’s vibrant local scene to sharing great food and meaningful conversations, the outing offered a refreshing opportunity to step away from day-to-day responsibilities and reconnect as a team. The experience not only fostered strong company bonding but also reinforced the supportive, people-first culture that continues to drive RxConnection forward.
Contact us
Orlando.Neal@rxconnectionllc.com