​DB 7 Response 2

Question

DB 7 Response 2

Gustavo

June 11, 2025

1. a) Given the image you want to project and where you are in the Product Life Cycle (studied in previous modules), what type of pricing scheme do you think you should use (e.g., prestige pricing, penetration pricing, skimming pricing, bundle pricing, odd-even, value, etc.)?

 

Ozempic, developed by Novo Nordisk, is a groundbreaking medication for type 2 diabetes management and weight management. Its active ingredient, semaglutide (a GLP-1 receptor agonist), effectively controls glycemia, suppresses appetite, and reduces weight (Ozempic: The Game-Changer in Diabetes Care, 2017). This product has a strong reputation, thanks to endorsements from healthcare experts and extensive media exposure. Since it's well-established in the market, using value-based pricing and prestige pricing is the most effective approach. Subsequently, value-based pricing emphasizes the value delivered to customers rather than just production costs or competitor prices (Value-Based Pricing Strategy | Simon-Kucher, n.d.).

Additionally, Ozempic works wonders for people with ongoing metabolic issues. It can lead to notable changes like better blood sugar control, noticeable weight loss, improved heart health, and an overall boost in quality of life. These benefits can lead to long-term cost savings by reducing complications such as hypertension and heart disease, thereby adding value for both consumers and healthcare providers.

Prestige pricing plays a role here, as higher prices suggest superior quality and exclusivity (Germaine, 2023). This strategy promotes Ozempic's image as a highly effective option, as people often assume that higher prices equate to better results, especially when it comes to health products. Pricing plays a significant role in how customers perceive the brand, especially those who aren't well-versed in medical matters and tend to trust the brand's reputation and what others say when it comes to their health choices. Moreover, Ozempic's strategy is supported by its maturity in the product life cycle (Levitt, 1965). It is a well-established product supported by clinical studies, FDA approval, and global recognition. Companies at this stage focus on defending market share and maximizing profit while enhancing customer loyalty (Kotler & Keller, 2016). Novo Nordisk employs prestige and value-based pricing to maintain high-profit margins despite competition from newer products like Wegovy and Mounjaro. The growing use of Ozempic among non-diabetic populations for weight loss has broadened its appeal. Influencers and celebrity endorsements have transformed Ozempic into a lifestyle product, further supporting its premium pricing strategy, which targets customers seeking wellness and aesthetic improvements. In conclusion, both value-based and prestige pricing align with Ozempic's premium positioning and the growing demand driven by health and lifestyle trends.

This scheme effectively targets two distinct customer segments: people with type 2 diabetes and health-conscious consumers seeking weight loss, especially those with obesity-related concerns (Roush, 2024). The first group consists of adults with type 2 diabetes who are familiar with various medications and typically consider their effectiveness, as well as the associated costs and insurance coverage. They don't mind paying more for medications that really help them out. Ozempic stands out because it can lower HbA1C levels, aid in weight loss, and provide heart benefits, making it a top choice. This justifies its higher price for both patients and doctors.

The second target segment comprises high-income, health-conscious individuals seeking Ozempic for weight management, where perceived benefits and social proof outweigh concerns about price. Influenced by social media and celebrity endorsements, these customers view the high price as a reflection of quality and exclusivity. Prestige pricing positions Ozempic not only as a medication but also as a symbol of transformation and elite healthcare.

Both groups are eager to invest in achieving good health outcomes, often supported by private insurance or personal monetary funds. In addition, insurance companies are more likely to cover tried-and-true products, which allows Novo Nordisk to stick to its pricing strategies even when there is some pushback. With competition from similar drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro, this pricing strategy makes sense (Burger, 2024). The similar prices for Ozempic indicate that it's considered valuable, which helps maintain its premium image. This strategy effectively builds consumer trust, increases brand value, and drives sustained profits for Ozempic's diverse customer base, maintaining a competitive advantage in the pharmaceutical sector.

 

2. What do you think your final price might be for this product? Provide a realistic range and discuss why.

Based on current pharmaceutical market conditions, insurance coverage dynamics, and the competitive pricing environment for GLP-1 receptor agonists, a realistic final retail price range for Ozempic would be between $850 and $1,200 per monthly dose in the U.S. This pricing structure is consistent with what is seen across major pharmacy retailers, with GoodRx and SingleCare listings typically showing prices from $900 to $1,100 per 2 mg pen, depending on location and supplier (Modglin, 2022)

This range takes into account several key pricing inputs and strategic considerations:

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  • Research and Development Costs - Developing a new medication like Ozempic requires significant upfront investment in areas such as clinical trials, regulatory approvals, and ongoing product monitoring after it reaches the market (Germaine, 2023). These expenses are taken into account when setting the price of the drug to make sure the company can recoup its investment over time.
  • Regulatory and Compliance Costs - Since this drug has been approved by the FDA and other regulatory bodies worldwide, there are ongoing costs associated with safety checks, monitoring its effects, and compliance with marketing regulations. All of these expenses must be included in the product's price (Germaine, 2023).
  • Insurance and Rebate Programs - Pharmaceutical pricing in the U.S. includes a complex web of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), insurance rebates, and patient assistance programs. The list price must be high enough to accommodate these discounts while preserving profitability. By setting the retail price between $850 and $1,200, Novo Nordisk can offer competitive rebates to insurers and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) without significantly affecting its net revenue (Germaine, 2023).
  • Market Comparisons - Competitor products, such as Wegovy (another semaglutide-based medication explicitly used for obesity), are priced similarly, at around $1,300 to $1,400 per month. By pricing Ozempic slightly lower but within a comparable range, Novo Nordisk appeals to both cost-sensitive and value-seeking consumers (Germaine, 2023).
  • Patient Access Considerations - The lower bound of $850 ensures that individuals with minimal insurance support may still access the drug. In contrast, the upper bound of $1,200 reflects the brand's premium nature and supports its prestige pricing strategy (Germaine, 2023).
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    This dual-tier pricing strategy enables the company to remain flexible when negotiating with insurers and employers. At the same time, it provides direct discounts to patients in need through savings cards and assistance programs. In short, this pricing approach strikes a smart balance between internal costs, market trends, and brand strategy, enabling Ozempic to remain a leader in the market while maximizing revenue and ensuring patients have access to the medication.

    The projected revenue is an estimate of the income that will be generated through sales of Ozempic. These figures are based on expected demand, pricing strategy, and market size. At a monthly price range between $850 to $1,200 per unit, the monthly revenue of $226,667 suggests sales of approximately 200-250 units per month. This projection fits well with a quarterly revenue of $680,000 and an annual total of $2.72 million. It takes into account the growing interest in the product as more people discover its benefits for managing diabetes and using it for off-label weight loss.

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