Eli Lilly announced a new price reduction for its obesity drug, Zepbound, expanding access for uninsured patients. Additionally, the company increased the availability of the drug, whose demand continues to grow alongside Mounjaro, another of its key products.
According to the pharmaceutical company, the 7.5 mg and 10 mg tirzepatide vials, the active ingredient in Zepbound, dropped from $599 and $699 to $499 per month for cash-paying patients. This price applies to both the first purchase and refills, which are provided every 45 days. Additionally, the 2.5 mg and 5 mg versions were reduced to $349 and $499 per month, respectively.
These discounts are available exclusively through LillyDirect Self Pay Pharmacy Solutions, the company’s in-house pharmacy. This program was designed to eliminate middlemen and allow patients to access lower prices without relying on insurance.
“Every medical organization recognizes obesity as a chronic disease, yet insurance and federal programs do not systematically cover its treatment. This must change,” said Patrik Jonsson, president of Lilly Cardiometabolic Health, in a statement.
Zepbound and Its Impact on Obesity Treatment
Zepbound is the brand name for tirzepatide, a drug approved by the FDA for treating obesity and overweight in adults with at least one related condition, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidemia.
It belongs to the class of drugs known as GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists, which have revolutionized the treatment of obesity and diabetes. By activating both receptors, tirzepatide reduces appetite, prolongs the feeling of fullness, and improves blood sugar control, facilitating weight loss and managing type 2 diabetes.
The drug is administered via a weekly subcutaneous injection and is available in 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg doses in a single-use pen.
The Growing Market for Obesity Drugs
The weight-loss drug market has expanded rapidly with the arrival of GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as Zepbound and Mounjaro from Eli Lilly, as well as Wegovy and Ozempic from Novo Nordisk, which contain semaglutide as the active ingredient.
Clinical studies have shown that both tirzepatide and semaglutide result in significant weight loss in patients with obesity. The increasing demand for these drugs has led companies to expand production and offer discounts to improve accessibility.
In August 2023, Eli Lilly first introduced 2.5 mg and 5 mg tirzepatide vials with a 50% or greater discount, compared to the list price of other incretin-based (GLP-1) obesity medications.
Financial Impact and Growing Demand
The strategy of lowering prices and expanding Zepbound’s availability has significantly boosted Eli Lilly’s revenue. In its latest financial report, the company reported a 45% increase in quarterly revenue, exceeding $3.1 billion, primarily driven by Mounjaro and Zepbound.
