The median net price for newly launched medicines reached $257,000 in 2025, up 35% from $190,000 in 2022, according to an analysis by the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review and West Health. The figures were adjusted for inflation and manufacturer discounts. STAT reported the findings, which highlight ongoing concerns over prescription drug costs.
The price increase was not linear. The most substantial rise in net launch prices occurred between 2022 and 2023. By last year, the trend reversed with a 2% decline. Among the 202 newly launched medicines analyzed, about one in four had an annual net price exceeding $500,000. Another 34% of the drugs were priced between $200,000 and $500,000.
In the weight loss market, Novo Nordisk disclosed that its next-generation experimental drug, CagriSema, showed an average weight loss of 25% in women with obesity or overweight in a late-stage study. Reuters reported that CagriSema is viewed as a successor to Novo Nordisk's big-selling weight loss drug, Wegovy. The new drug could help Novo Nordisk reclaim ground lost to Eli Lilly in the weight loss market. Wegovy faces patent expirations after 2030.
Novo Nordisk stated that a 2.4-milligram dose of CagriSema was associated with an average weight loss of 25% after 68 weeks in a group of 2,309 women. In comparison, women on a placebo experienced a 3% weight loss. In the full trial involving more than 3,400 adults, CagriSema led to a 22.7% weight loss. This result fell below the 25% target set by Novo Nordisk.