CNBCยท2025-11-06 17:04Core Points - President Donald Trump announced deals with Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to reduce prices of obesity drugs, aiming to increase access to these treatments [1][6] - The agreements will allow Medicare to cover obesity drugs for certain patients starting mid-2026, marking a significant expansion in the market for these medications [2][3] Pricing and Coverage - Starting doses of upcoming obesity pills from Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk will be priced at $145 per month for Medicare, Medicaid, or through the new website TrumpRx.gov [4] - Existing injections like Novo's Wegovy and Lilly's Zepbound will initially cost $350 per month on TrumpRx, decreasing to $245 per month over two years [5] - Medicare coverage will be available to approximately 10% of beneficiaries, focusing on those with specific health conditions related to obesity [10][9] Market Impact - The list prices of existing obesity drugs range from $1,000 to $1,350 per month, which has been a significant barrier for patients [7] - The new agreements are expected to encourage private insurers to cover obesity treatments, potentially broadening the market [3][9] Drug Approval and Access - Novo Nordisk's oral version of Wegovy may enter the market by year-end, while Eli Lilly's orforglipron is expected to launch next year [4] - The administration is constraining access to ensure that only patients who will benefit clinically can receive the drugs [12] Additional Agreements - Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk have committed to most favored nation pricing for new medicines and will provide these prices to all state Medicaid programs [13] - Eli Lilly will also reduce prices on its direct-to-consumer platform, LillyDirect, with Zepbound priced at $299 per month for the lowest dose [14]