Eli Lilly has announced new price reductions for its weight loss drug Zepbound, aiming to increase accessibility for patients. As of Monday, patients enrolled in the Zepbound Self Pay Journey Program through the LillyDirect digital health platform will pay $299 per month for single-dose vials, reduced from $349. Additionally, the 5-milligram dosage will now cost $399 monthly, down from $499, and all other approved doses will be available for $449.
The LillyDirect platform, which launched in early 2024, caters specifically to individuals who have no health insurance or inadequate coverage, enabling them to obtain Zepbound directly from Eli Lilly. Regular retail prices without utilizing the program are significantly higher, with monthly costs reaching $599 for 7.5 milligrams, up to $1,049 for the highest dose of 15 milligrams.
This recent announcement follows Eli Lilly’s earlier plan to cut prices for Zepbound’s multi-dose pens, contingent upon approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Once approved, Medicare patients are expected to pay no more than $50 monthly starting in April 2026 for Zepbound multi-dose pens and orforglipron, Lilly’s daily weight loss pill.
The multi-dose pen for self-pay patients will start at $299 for the lowest dose, while additional doses may go up to $449. Orforglipron will also be available at an introductory price of $149, with higher doses capped at $399.
Eli Lilly’s initiatives echo similar moves by competitor Novo Nordisk, which launched the NovoCare Pharmacy platform in March. Both companies are working to reduce the barriers for new patients requiring effective weight loss medications, enabling greater accessibility and ultimately fostering a more competitive market in the healthcare sector.
These changes may foster hope for patients seeking effective weight loss solutions, providing more affordable options in their healthcare journey.