Key Points
- Lilly is now offering a lower-cost version of tirzepatide (Zepbound) for weight loss through its online pharmacy, LillyDirect.
- The self-pay option is for patients without insurance coverage or those not eligible for savings programs.
- New single-dose vials of 2.5 mg and 5 mg are available at $399 and $549 for a 4-week supply, over 50% cheaper than standard GLP-1 drugs.
- Prescriptions are required, and the vials must be purchased through LillyDirect to ensure authenticity.
Affordability & Access
- Zepbound was FDA-approved in November 2023 for chronic weight management in obese or overweight adults with at least one weight-related condition.
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide for type 2 diabetes) was not mentioned in the announcement.
- Retail price for four prefilled pens of Zepbound is around $1,300, making this new option significantly cheaper.
Restrictions & Requirements
- A prescription is mandatory as per the drug’s FDA-approved labeling.
- Vials are only available via LillyDirect, ensuring patients receive genuine medication and are protected from counterfeit drugs.
- Ancillary supplies like syringes and needles can be purchased separately through LillyDirect.
Lilly’s Rationale
- Many employers and federal programs do not cover obesity medications, treating it as a lifestyle choice rather than a chronic illness.
- This self-pay option aims to bridge the gap for millions of adults with obesity who lack insurance coverage for weight-loss treatments.
- Lilly emphasizes the urgent need for updated policies and broader insurance coverage for obesity medications.
This move makes tirzepatide more accessible for weight loss, offering a lower-cost, legitimate alternative for patients seeking effective treatment outside of insurance coverage
