NEW YORK, NY — Eli Lilly, the pharmaceutical company behind the widely used weight loss medication Zepbound, has announced a significant price reduction for its drug to address increased consumer demand. The new pricing structure includes a four-week supply of the 2.5-milligram single-dose vial at $399 per month and the 5-milligram dose at $549.
This move comes as part of Eli Lilly’s strategy to counteract the proliferation of counterfeit products and unauthorized telehealth services that have flooded the market. By offering Zepbound directly to consumers at a lower cost, the company aims to provide patients with access to authentic medication while combating the threat posed by dubious sources.
Zepbound is part of a newer class of weight-loss drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, which have gained popularity for their effectiveness in helping individuals manage their weight. Despite the high cost of these medications, which can exceed $1,000 per month before insurance and rebates, their demand remains robust.
To facilitate direct purchases, Eli Lilly has launched LillyDirect, which collaborates with the digital pharmacy Gifthealth. This initiative will allow patients with a prescription to obtain Zepbound directly from Eli Lilly, bypassing traditional distribution channels and ensuring the authenticity of the medication.
In a statement, Eli Lilly emphasized that this approach will enhance patient safety and combat the risks associated with counterfeit and unregulated versions of their drugs. “Distributing the vials via this channel ensures patients and providers can trust they are receiving genuine Lilly medicine, building on our efforts to protect the public from the dangers posed by the proliferation of counterfeit or untested alternatives,” the company stated.
The introduction of this direct-to-consumer model also addresses gaps in coverage, as Medicare does not currently cover GLP-1 medications, and some private insurers offer limited coverage. Despite these barriers, the popularity of weight-loss drugs like Zepbound, Mounjaro, and Wegovy continues to rise, driven by their effectiveness and demand among consumers.
This pricing adjustment and new distribution strategy highlight Eli Lilly’s commitment to making its medications more accessible while ensuring their quality and authenticity.
