TL/DR –
Eli Lilly has struck a deal with the U.S. government to increase access to its obesity treatments for Medicare beneficiaries and self-pay patients. The initiative seeks to boost availability of medications like Zepbound and the experimental obesity drug orforglipron. The agreement marks an extension of Lilly’s previous collaboration with the federal government, which mandated a cap on out-of-pocket insulin costs at $35 per month.
Eli Lilly Expands Affordable Access to Obesity Treatments with U.S. Government Agreement
Eli Lilly is expanding access to obesity treatments for Medicare beneficiaries and self-pay patients, including Zepbound and orforglipron, under an agreement with the U.S. government. This aims to increase treatment availability for almost 40 million Americans with obesity on government insurance.
This initiative follows a 2020 collaboration which resulted in Lilly capping insulin costs at $35 per month. Effective from April 1, 2026, Medicare beneficiaries prescribed Zepbound or orforglipron will have a $50 monthly cap.
For self-pay patients, Lilly offers access via LillyDirect, their digital pharmacy platform. Zepbound will start at $299 and top out at $449. Orforglipron will start at $149 and max out at $399. Other Lilly medicines like Emgality, Trulicity, and Mounjaro will also be offered through LillyDirect at significantly reduced prices.
Fighting Obesity and Rebalancing Global Drug Pricing
The partnership represents a wider effort to rebalance global drug pricing and enhance U.S. manufacturing capacity. Lilly is currently investing over $50 billion in domestic manufacturing. The company will also align its medicine pricing across developed nations.
Orforglipron, a once-daily oral glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, is currently undergoing Phase 3 trials for type 2 diabetes, weight management, and multiple obesity-related conditions.
Key Quotes
“This marks a pivotal moment in U.S. health care policy. As we expand access to obesity treatments, we remain focused on improving outcomes and strengthening the U.S. healthcare system.” – David A. Ricks, Lilly Chairman and CEO
“The U.S. health care system has evolved in a way that’s unfair to American patients. Lilly is in a unique position to work with the U.S. government to rebalance the global system, expand access and lower costs.” – David A. Ricks, Lilly Chairman and CEO
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