From CNBC: 2024-08-27 06:45:01

Eli Lilly introduces new, lower-cost form of weight loss drug Zepbound at $399-$549 per month to make treatment accessible to uninsured patients, Medicare recipients. Prices are half the usual cost to meet demand amidst rising supply and counteract knockoff versions. The move includes a direct-to-consumer website for purchase and leads to transparent pricing.

The injection pens of Zepbound and other GLP-1 weight loss drugs typically cost around $1,000 per month. The new vials will require manual injection with a syringe and needle, different than the autoinjector pens available. Eli Lilly’s strategic pricing aims to benefit patients who self-pay and expands supply capacity for the high-demand medication.

Eli Lilly launches a self-pay pharmacy section on LillyDirect for patients to purchase Zepbound vials. The company partners with Gifthealth for prescription processing and delivery. The move follows the company’s efforts to combat illicit versions of their medications and maintain safety and authenticity for patients and healthcare providers.

Zepbound and Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro remain under patent protection in the U.S., preventing the supply of their active ingredients to external sources. Counterfeit drugs pose serious threats to public health, prompting Eli Lilly to take legal action to protect consumers against untested treatments and unsafe alternatives. The distribution through the LillyDirect platform ensures genuine medication access for patients.



Read more at CNBC: Eli Lilly releases new, cheaper form of weight loss drug