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Novo Nordisk hikes Metsera bid to up to $10B in competition with rival Pfizer

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, November 4th 2025 at 13:56 GMT by WSB-TV
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Novo Nordisk Raises Prices, Stirring Debate Over Diabetes Care Costs

A recent announcement from Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk has sparked fresh debate over the cost of diabetes treatment in the United States. In a move that has drawn criticism from patients, advocacy groups, and some lawmakers, the company has increased the price of several of its insulin products, citing higher manufacturing costs and the need to invest in new research. The decision, which came with a press release and accompanying data, was covered in a detailed report on WSB TV’s Business Desk.

What the Price Hike Entails

According to Novo Nordisk’s statement, the company has raised the list price of its insulin analogues by an average of 8 % over the past year. The most affected products include:

• Lantus (insulin glargine) – a long‑acting insulin used daily by many people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The price per vial has climbed from $120 to $130.
• Tresiba (insulin degludec) – a once‑daily insulin that offers flexible dosing. The new cost is $155 per vial, up from $140.
• Bydureon (insulin glargine‑ER) – a weekly insulin injection. The price increased by $45, now at $200 per vial.

The company emphasized that the price adjustments are intended to cover rising production costs, including raw materials, and to fund ongoing research into improved therapies. Novo Nordisk also announced that it will invest $500 million in diabetes research over the next five years, a commitment that was highlighted in the press release.

Reactions from Stakeholders

Patients and Advocacy Groups
The price hike has been met with anger from patient advocacy groups. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) released a statement calling the increase “unacceptable and unnecessary,” arguing that it will place an additional burden on patients who already struggle with high out‑of‑pocket costs. A spokesperson for the National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) said that “many people are already paying the maximum copay for insulin; this new hike could push more patients into financial hardship.”

Insurance Providers
Several health insurers expressed concern about the impact on premiums. A representative from UnitedHealth Group noted that higher drug costs could lead to increased premiums for plan holders, especially those in plans with high deductibles. However, the insurer also pointed out that Novo Nordisk’s research investments could eventually lead to better treatment options that might offset some cost increases.

Lawmakers
Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers have weighed in on the issue. Senator Maria Cantwell, chair of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, called for a review of drug pricing practices. “We need transparency in how prices are set and a mechanism to ensure patients are not left behind,” she said in a statement. Meanwhile, Representative James Comer has suggested a bipartisan task force to investigate insulin pricing and explore potential regulatory reforms.

Industry Context

The insulin market has been under scrutiny for years. In 2021, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission released a report showing a 12 % increase in insulin prices over the past decade, outpacing inflation. Novo Nordisk is not alone; competitors such as Sanofi, Eli Lilly, and Pfizer have also reported price increases, citing similar reasons of higher manufacturing costs and research and development expenditures.

The company’s announcement follows a broader trend in the pharmaceutical industry where firms are raising prices to support their portfolios and fund new drug development. Novo Nordisk, however, has faced unique scrutiny because insulin is considered a life‑sustaining medication, and patients cannot simply switch to cheaper alternatives.

Future Outlook

Novo Nordisk has stated that it will continue to work with insurers, policymakers, and patient groups to find solutions that balance affordability with the need to fund innovation. The company also announced plans to introduce a new “patient assistance program” aimed at helping low‑income patients cover the cost of insulin.

On the research front, the company highlighted its investment in gene‑editing technologies and next‑generation insulin formulations that could offer more convenient dosing schedules. While these innovations are promising, they are still several years away from market entry.

The WSB TV article also linked to Novo Nordisk’s official investor relations page, where additional financial details were provided, and to a live webinar hosted by the company’s medical affairs team. The webinar, scheduled for October 15, will address patient concerns, explain the science behind the new insulin analogues, and provide an overview of the company’s research pipeline.

Conclusion

The recent price hike by Novo Nordisk has ignited a complex conversation about drug pricing, patient affordability, and the need for continued investment in medical research. While the company claims that the increase is necessary to sustain high‑quality production and support future innovations, the backlash from patients and advocacy groups underscores the urgency of finding a more balanced approach. As lawmakers, insurers, and the pharmaceutical industry debate potential regulatory and market-based solutions, the outcome will shape the future of diabetes care in the United States.