Core Insights - The article discusses the recent price reductions for weight loss medications from Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk following negotiations with the U.S. government, bringing prices down to a range of $149 to $350 per month for patients [3][5]. Pricing Changes - Eli Lilly's weight loss drug, tirzepatide, will have a minimum cash price of $299 per month for the lowest dosage, while other dosages will be priced at $449 per month [5]. - Currently, the prices for weight loss drugs in the U.S. are the highest globally, ranging from $500 to $1000, nearly three times higher than in other countries [5]. - The U.S. government aims to align weight loss drug prices with those in other regions, and the new agreement will also apply to upcoming oral weight loss medications [5]. Future Projections - For patients covered by U.S. Medicare, the average price for injectable and oral weight loss drugs is expected to start at $350 or lower, with projections to drop to $245 within two years [5]. - If approved, the starting dosage of these drugs will be offered at $149 per month for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, as well as self-paying patients [5]. Upcoming Approvals - Both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have submitted applications for oral weight loss drugs, which are currently in a fast-track approval process [5]. - Novo Nordisk's oral semaglutide is expected to receive approval by the end of this year, while Eli Lilly's oral weight loss drug orforglipron is anticipated to be approved in the first quarter of next year [5].

Core Insights - The recent negotiations have led to a significant reduction in the prices of weight loss medications in the U.S., bringing costs down to an average of $149 to $350 per month for patients [1][3] Group 1: Price Changes - Following the negotiations, Eli Lilly's weight loss drug, tirzepatide, will have a minimum cash price of $299 per month for the lowest dosage, while other dosages will be priced at $449 per month [3] - Currently, weight loss drug prices in the U.S. are the highest globally, ranging from $500 to $1000, nearly three times the prices in other countries [3] - The average price for weight loss injections and oral medications covered by U.S. insurance is expected to start at $350 per month, with projections to drop to $245 within two years [3] Group 2: Future Developments - The negotiation agreement will also apply to new oral weight loss drugs that are expected to be approved in the future [3] - If approved, the starting dosage of these new drugs will be offered at $149 per month for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, as well as self-paying patients [3] - Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have submitted applications for oral weight loss drugs, with Novo Nordisk's oral semaglutide expected to be approved by the end of this year, and Eli Lilly's orforglipron anticipated for approval in the first quarter of next year [3]