TrumpRx GLP-1 Deal Unlikely to Lower Canadian Prices, Experts Say

A new US deal between the Trump administration, Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk will start GLP-1 medications on the TrumpRx platform at roughly US$350 per month, dropping to US$245 US over the next two years, but Canadian patients are unlikely to see direct benefit from the cross-border program [Source: cbc.ca/news/health/ozempic-trumprx-cheaper-insurance-9.6970197].

What the US Deal Does

Under the program, Medicare coverage of Zepbound and Wegovy will expand starting next year for American patients with severe obesity or those who are overweight with serious health problems, with qualifying beneficiaries paying a US$50 copay [Source: cbc.ca/news/health/ozempic-trumprx-cheaper-insurance-9.6970197]. Cash-paying Americans without coverage will be able to purchase directly from manufacturers through the TrumpRx platform beginning in January [Source: cbc.ca/news/health/ozempic-trumprx-cheaper-insurance-9.6970197].

Canadian Prices Already Lower

Dr. Nisha Gupta, an endocrinologist and postdoctoral fellow at McGill University, said that with exchange rates factored in, prices for GLP-1 drugs are already significantly less in Canada than in the United States [Source: cbc.ca/news/health/ozempic-trumprx-cheaper-insurance-9.6970197]. CBC reports Canadians currently pay anywhere from $300 to $500 per month for GLP-1 medications, including semaglutide brands such as Ozempic and Wegovy [Source: cbc.ca/news/health/ozempic-trumprx-cheaper-insurance-9.6970197]. That range aligns with current pharmacy prices tracked on GLP1Prices.ca, which show Ozempic between $222 and $663 CAD and Wegovy between $270 and $599 CAD.

Lilly Already Cut Canadian List Prices

Separate from the US deal, Eli Lilly announced in December that it would reduce Canadian list prices for a four-week supply of Mounjaro and Zepbound to $300 for the 2.5 mg and 5 mg doses and $420 for the 7.5 mg and 10 mg doses, with the new prices taking effect December 29 [Source: benefitsandpensionsmonitor.com/benefits/pharma/eli-lilly-cuts-canadian-obesity-drug-prices/392905]. GLP1Prices.ca pharmacy data currently shows Mounjaro ranging from $280 to $813 CAD, consistent with the lower starting dose reductions.

Generics the Larger Canadian Story

CBC reports that in January, Novo Nordisk could effectively lose its market exclusivity in Canada, likely opening the door to generic versions of semaglutide [Source: cbc.ca/news/health/ozempic-trumprx-cheaper-insurance-9.6970197]. Mina Tadrous, an associate professor who evaluates pharmaceutical prices at the University of Toronto, has estimated the arrival of generics could bring the price of the same strength of semaglutide down to under $100 from $400 [Source: cbc.ca/news/health/ozempic-trumprx-cheaper-insurance-9.6970197]. Readers can follow pending filings on the generic semaglutide tracker.

Public Plan Spending Context

The Globe and Mail reports that public plans spent $794 million on Ozempic in 2024, and if plans cover Mounjaro, it could cost them an estimated $1.97 billion over three years, about $820 million more than the plans currently spend on comparable drugs over a similar period [Source: theglobeandmail.com/business/economy/article-canada-drug-agency-mounjaro-recommendation-type-2-diabetes/]. Canada's Drug Agency has recommended that public plans cover Mounjaro with a discount of 25 to 49 per cent off list price at higher dosages [Source: theglobeandmail.com/business/economy/article-canada-drug-agency-mounjaro-recommendation-type-2-diabetes/]. Patients can check current reimbursement options via the insurance coverage checker.

Access Still Uneven

CBC notes that Wegovy is not covered by provincial governments in Canada but may be covered by private insurance plans, depending on the insurer's criteria [Source: cbc.ca/news/health/ozempic-trumprx-cheaper-insurance-9.6970197]. Gupta added that it is unclear what type of generic version will become available, since semaglutide is given at different doses for different conditions, with a range of costs [Source: cbc.ca/news/health/ozempic-trumprx-cheaper-insurance-9.6970197]. For more on Canadian availability of semaglutide pill form, see Rybelsus and the FAQ.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.