Eli Lilly is selling higher-dose vials of Zepbound at a lower price to boost weight loss drug access

Core Viewpoint - Eli Lilly is expanding access to its weight loss drug Zepbound by offering higher doses in single-dose vials at reduced prices, aiming to reach more patients without insurance coverage, particularly those on Medicare [1][6][7]. Pricing and Availability - Higher doses of Zepbound (7.5 mg and 10 mg) are priced at $499 for the first prescription and refills within 45 days, while subsequent refills will cost$599 and $699 respectively [3] - The company has also reduced the prices of lower-dose vials by$50, with the 2.5 mg vial now costing $349 and the 5 mg vial priced at$499 [3] - The single-dose vials are available through the LillyDirect website, allowing eligible patients to self-pay for the medication [2][6] Manufacturing and Administration - The new single-dose vials require patients to use a syringe and needle for self-injection, differing from the previously available autoinjector pens [4] - Eli Lilly claims that vials are easier to manufacture than autoinjector pens, which previously cost around $1,000 per month before insurance [4] Target Patient Demographics - The new pricing structure is designed to benefit patients enrolled in Medicare or employer-sponsored health plans that do not cover obesity treatments [6][7] - Patients typically start with a 2.5 mg dose and gradually increase to maintenance doses, although the highest doses (12.5 mg and 15 mg) are not yet available in single-dose vials [5] Market Context - The company aims to provide a more affordable solution for patients suffering from obesity, especially in light of the lack of full insurance coverage for obesity medications [7] - The FDA has declared the shortage of Zepbound over, which may limit the ability of compounding pharmacies to produce cheaper versions of the drug [9][10]