WSJ Tech News Briefing – Tech Minute: Amazon Pharmacy Begins Offering Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy Pill

Date: January 9, 2026
Host: Julie Chang, The Wall Street Journal

Overview

This episode of the WSJ Tech News Briefing delivers a concise roundup of the day's biggest tech and business headlines. The spotlight is on Amazon Pharmacy's launch of Novo Nordisk’s weight-loss drug Wegovy in pill form, with additional updates on major venture capital funding by Andreessen Horowitz and financial results from LG Electronics.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Amazon Pharmacy Launches Wegovy Pill Nationwide

• FDA Approval & Availability: Novo Nordisk’s oral weight-loss pill Wegovy is now approved and broadly accessible in the United States.

  • Availability: The drug can be purchased at major pharmacies such as CVS and Costco, as well as through telehealth providers like LifeMD and Weight Watchers. Amazon Pharmacy is a notable new distributor.

• Pricing Details:

  • Insured Customers: A minimum of $25 for a one-month supply through Amazon Pharmacy.
  • Uninsured Customers: The minimum price is $149 per month.

• Market Impact:

  • Amazon’s entry into the pharmaceutical delivery market with a high-demand weight-loss drug signals further disruption and increased accessibility in telehealth and digital pharmacy sectors.

2. Andreessen Horowitz Secures Over $15 Billion for Tech Investment

• Fundraising Success: Andreessen Horowitz, a leading U.S. venture capital firm, has raised over $15 billion across several funds.
• Investment Areas:
  • Plans to focus investments on AI, cryptocurrency, and their growing influence spanning sectors like biology, defense, education, and entertainment.
• Strategic Mission:
  • Ben Horowitz, general partner, describes an "American-centric mission," emphasizing the goal of bolstering U.S. competitiveness against China.
  • Data Point: U.S. venture capital firms collectively raised $66 billion in 2025 (Source: PitchBook).

3. LG Electronics Reports First Quarterly Loss in Nine Years

• Financial Update:
  • LG expects a Q4 operating loss of over $75 million, compared to last year’s profit.
  • Factors: Decreased consumer demand for electronics (particularly TVs), rising competition, higher tariffs, and increased restructuring expenses.
  • Silver Lining: Despite losses, LG forecasts a 5% increase in quarterly revenue versus the previous year.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Julie Chang on Amazon Pharmacy’s Expansion

  • “Amazon says for its pharmacy, customers with commercial insurance will pay a minimum of $25 for a one month supply and those without insurance will pay a minimum of $149 a month.” ([00:32])

• Julie Chang on Andreessen Horowitz’s Direction

  • “Andreessen Horwitz will invest in AI and crypto technologies and their applications across biology, defense, education, entertainment and more. He also emphasized an American-centric mission for the firm, saying it'll invest in tech competitive with China.” ([00:48])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:12] – Introduction; Amazon Pharmacy’s announcement on Wegovy
• [00:32] – Pricing for Wegovy via Amazon Pharmacy
• [00:48] – Andreessen Horowitz’s new funding round and investment focus
• [01:08] – LG Electronics’ anticipated quarterly loss and outlook
• [01:29] – Episode wrap-up

Overall Tone & Style

The episode maintains WSJ’s hallmark brevity and focus; the reporting is clear, factual, and aimed at busy listeners who want efficient, high-level summaries of what’s new and notable in tech and business.

Summary Takeaway

Amazon Pharmacy’s move to offer Wegovy in pill form amplifies competition and consumer access in digital healthcare. Andreessen Horowitz continues to shape the future of tech investment with significant capital, especially around AI and crypto amid global tech rivalries, while LG faces headwinds even as it plans for revenue growth in a challenging market.

For a quick but thorough tech update, this Tech Minute offers all the critical headlines and developments in under two minutes.