Amazon shakes GLP-1 race as Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk stocks fall

Amazon is expanding its footprint in healthcare, unveiling a new program aimed at simplifying access to weight-loss treatments and reshaping how GLP-1 drugs are delivered to patients.

The move positions the tech giant as a growing force in the obesity drug market, long dominated by pharmaceutical leaders Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk. Shares of both companies declined on Tuesday, underperforming the broader S&P 500, following the announcement.

Amazon integrates care, pharmacy, and delivery

Amazon said its primary care arm, Amazon One Medical, will launch a “GLP-1 Management Program” that combines in-person visits, telehealth consultations, prescription management, and pharmacy fulfillment.

The initiative builds on Amazon’s broader healthcare strategy, following its 2023 acquisition of One Medical and the launch of its online pharmacy in 2020.

The company described the offering as an integrated system designed to support long-term weight management, rather than one-off prescriptions.

“Providing customers with fast, convenient medication access and clear, transparent pricing is integral to how Amazon Pharmacy is transforming the pharmacy experience,” said Tanvi Patel, vice president and general manager of Amazon Pharmacy, in the company’s press release.

“By expanding access to the latest GLP-1 medications with upfront, clear pricing, we’re making it easier for customers to get the treatments their health care providers prescribe and to stay on those medications because they are delivered reliably directly to patients,” Patel said.

Through its platform, Amazon will offer access to treatments including Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy and Eli Lilly’s Zepbound. Pricing starts as low as $25 per month for insured patients, while oral drugs begin at $149 per month for cash-paying customers. Injectable treatments start at $299 per month without insurance.

Pricing, convenience, and scale drive competition

While Amazon’s pricing is broadly in line with existing offerings, its competitive edge lies in logistics and accessibility.

The company is offering same-day delivery in nearly 3,000 cities, with plans to expand to 4,500 locations by the end of 2026. It also provides on-demand prescription renewals, starting at $29 for messaging consultations and $49 for video visits.

Patients who are not enrolled in Amazon One Medical can still access prescription renewals through the platform, further widening its reach.

The initiative could also disrupt the direct-to-consumer strategies of drugmakers.

Both Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk have launched their own platforms—LillyDirect and NovoCare—to market treatments directly to patients.

Amazon’s integrated model may shift decision-making power toward clinicians within its network, potentially reducing the influence of pharmaceutical marketing.

Broader industry impact and rising competition

Amazon’s entry highlights intensifying competition in the fast-growing GLP-1 market, with retailers and healthcare platforms seeking to capture a share of rising demand.

The company is not alone. Walmart recently introduced weight-loss support services through its Better Care platform, connecting patients with third-party virtual care providers.

Following Amazon’s announcement, shares of companies tied to the obesity drug boom, including Hims & Hers Health, Viking Therapeutics, Amgen, and Septerna, moved lower.

Although Amazon has previously partnered with drugmakers—hosting Lilly’s weight-loss pill and Novo’s oral Wegovy on its platform—the latest move signals a deeper push into care delivery itself.

By combining primary care, pharmacy services, and logistics, Amazon is positioning weight management as a continuous treatment journey, potentially reshaping how patients access and adhere to GLP-1 therapies.

The post Amazon shakes GLP-1 race as Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk stocks fall appeared first on Invezz