NEW YORK CITY, New York: Amazon said it will begin offering Ozempic pills for type 2 diabetes through its pharmacy kiosks, alongside same-day delivery in thousands of U.S. locations.

The move expands Amazon's healthcare push as it builds out its pharmacy and delivery services. The company said it will initially offer same-day delivery of Ozempic to about 3,000 locations, with plans to expand that to 4,500 by the end of the year.

Ozempic, made by Novo Nordisk, uses the active ingredient semaglutide to help control blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. Amazon has already been offering Novo's weight-loss drug Wegovy, which contains the same ingredient, and said in April it would also stock a competing pill from Eli Lilly.

"Amazon Pharmacy continues to provide customers expanded selection and reliable, convenient access to the latest treatments like the Ozempic pill for type 2 diabetes," said Tanvi Patel, a vice president at Amazon. "We are making it easy for customers to get the medication they need to stay healthy."

Amazon began delivering GLP-1 medications, a class of drugs used to treat diabetes and obesity, in 2021. However, it does not stock injectable versions at kiosks because they require refrigeration, unlike pill-based treatments.

Customers with a valid prescription can order Ozempic through Amazon Pharmacy for US$149 per month if paying in cash, or through insurance. The company said prices could drop to as low as $25 with insurance coverage.

The kiosks, located at Amazon's One Medical clinics, are part of an effort to improve access to medications and reduce shipping costs. Patients do not need a One Medical subscription to use the service, though a yearly membership costs $199.

Amazon said about half of its U.S. customers currently have access to same-day delivery for medications, while all customers can receive prescriptions within four days.

The company has been investing heavily in logistics, spending more than $4 billion last year to expand delivery capabilities, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas.