Currax Pharmaceuticals is joining the industry’s pivot to cash-pay models, launching a national program to expand access to its oral weight loss therapy, Contrave (naltrexone/bupropion).
The move comes as rivals Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly build direct-to-consumer platforms for their blockbuster glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) therapies amid skyrocketing demand and tight insurance coverage.
Contrave at $199/month
Under a partnership with GoodRx, patients can now access Contrave for a flat $199 monthly price—no insurance required. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved, non-GLP-1 oral therapy is positioned as a convenient option for adults with obesity or overweight individuals with weight-related conditions.
“At Currax, we truly believe in access for all and putting patients at the center of everything we do,” said George Hampton, Currax’s CEO. “By making our cash price available through GoodRx, we are continuing to reduce barriers and provide an easy path for patients to get the treatment they need to manage their weight and improve their overall health.”
The initiative follows broader affordability challenges in the obesity drug market. GLP-1s like Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide) have captured attention for their efficacy but often come with hefty price tags. Limited insurance coverage has left many patients unable to access these therapies, prompting companies to experiment with cash-based models.
Lilly and Novo go online with GLP-1 therapies
Eli Lilly’s LillyDirect and Novo Nordisk’s NovoCare services allow patients to access GLP-1 drugs directly through online portals, integrating telehealth consultations and home delivery. The strategy has gained traction as demand for anti-obesity drugs strains traditional supply chains.
Under the new LillyDirect pricing plan, a month’s supply of Zepbound at the lowest dose of 2.5 mg is now $399, while the 5 mg dose costs $549. Previously, the list price was $1,059 per month, regardless of dose. This price reduction aims to make Zepbound more accessible to patients paying out of pocket.
Similarly, Novo Nordisk’s NovoCare Pharmacy offers all doses of Wegovy for a reduced flat monthly price of $499, with home delivery included. For uninsured patients, Wegovy’s price tag can otherwise exceed $1,000 per month, making this program a significant affordability breakthrough.
Novo Nordisk’s aggressive moves in the space include a $2.2 billion deal for Septerna’s obesity portfolio earlier this year. The deal reflects the company’s push to diversify beyond GLP-1 injectables and address long-term demand.
Non-GLP-1 therapies regain relevance
With growing “injectable fatigue” among patients and regulatory scrutiny on compounded GLP-1 products, oral options like Contrave may find new opportunities.
“Rising demand for safe, accessible weight loss therapies underscores the importance of having multiple treatment modalities,” Hampton said.
Smaller players are also betting on non-GLP-1 innovation. Pila Pharma, for example, recently secured funding to advance its TRPV1-targeting oral obesity drug.
As obesity rates climb and patient demand grows, cash-pay programs and direct-to-consumer channels are likely to remain a central strategy. With Currax now in the mix, patients have a wider array of options—including oral therapies—for tackling one of today’s most pressing health challenges.
