Eli Lilly and Walmart have partnered to offer the weight loss drug Zepbound at direct-to-consumer prices in retail locations for the first time. This move is aimed at expanding access to the drug and maintaining Eli Lilly’s dominance in the GLP-1 market. Walmart is the fifth-largest pharmacy in the U.S., making it a significant partner for Eli Lilly.

Starting in mid-November, cash-paying patients can purchase single-dose vials of Zepbound at discounts of 50% or more off their list price through Walmart locations or home delivery. This collaboration marks LillyDirect’s first retail partnership and aims to offer more convenience and price transparency to customers. The drug will be priced at $349 per month for the starting dose and $499 per month for all other doses.

LillyDirect has seen significant success with home delivery, but the partnership with Walmart allows for in-person pickup at pharmacies nationwide. This partnership could provide Eli Lilly with a competitive edge over Novo Nordisk, especially as the Danish drugmaker works on expanding access to its weight loss drug Wegovy through a deal with CVS. Direct-to-consumer sales now account for more than a third of new Zepbound prescriptions, showing the success of LillyDirect.

Read more at CNBC: Eli Lilly, Walmart to offer discounted retail option for Zepbound