Eli Lilly announced a significant price reduction for the two lowest doses of its popular weight loss medication, Zepbound, aiming to improve access and alleviate supply issues. Starting this week, the monthly cost for the 2.5 milligram dose will be $399, while the 5 mg dose will be priced at $549, down from the previous list price of $1,059 for any dosage.
However, these lower-priced options will only be available through Lilly’s telehealth service, LillyDirect, and will not be eligible for insurance coverage, requiring patients to pay out-of-pocket. Additionally, those who choose these lower-cost doses will not qualify for Lilly’s discount savings program.
The reduction in price is attributed to a change in packaging; the drug will now be sold in vials rather than single-dose auto-injector pens. Patients will need to administer the medication using a syringe. Although the 2.5 mg and 5 mg doses will still be available in auto-injector pens, they will not be priced at the new reduced rates.
This transition to vials comes in response to patient frustrations regarding supply issues tied to the complex manufacturing of auto-injector pens. Many patients have been seeking compounded versions of Zepbound, which typically come in vials and are less expensive.
Patrik Jonsson, president of Lilly USA, stated that the new vials aim to meet high demand while providing more access to effective treatment options. However, Dr. Maria Daniela Hurtado Andrade from the Mayo Clinic raised concerns that the price, while lower, remains unaffordable for many, especially among racial and ethnic minority groups.
Dr. Shauna Levy, a specialist in obesity medicine, described the pricing changes as a positive development for the obesity community and anticipated a response from competitor Novo Nordisk regarding pricing for its similar drugs.
Both Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk have faced ongoing pressure to reduce the costs of their weight loss medications. This includes public statements from President Joe Biden and Senator Bernie Sanders, who urged both companies to cut prices, claiming that existing costs for these drugs are unfair to American consumers.
Lilly has indicated that the lower-cost vials of Zepbound will be particularly beneficial for uninsured patients or those whose insurance does not cover the medication. Prescriptions can be sent directly to LillyDirect, which will handle shipping nationwide.
Although this new pricing strategy has been rolled out, some physicians have expressed concerns regarding supply issues with LillyDirect. A gastroenterologist noted difficulties encountered when trying to use the service previously.
Patients currently being prescribed Zepbound may prefer to remain on higher doses that they believe are more effective. Concerns have also been raised regarding the potential challenges some patients, particularly older adults, may face when transitioning from auto-injectors to vials, especially in handling syringes.
Overall, while the new pricing structure aims to improve accessibility, it raises questions about affordability and usability among various patient populations.