Eli Lilly says the single-dose vials cost 50% less than other injectable GLP-1 weight loss drugs, providing expanded access to millions of people with obesity.
On August 27, Eli Lilly announced the release of 2.5 and 5 mg single-dose vials of its blockbuster weight loss drug Zepbound (tirzepatide). The vials, priced at least 50% lower than auto-injector pens, are a new option for people with obesity who don't have employer-based insurance coverage, are not eligible for the Zepbound savings card program, or must pay out-of-pocket for the drug.
Eli Lilly says a 2.5 mg single dose vial costs $99.75, and a four-week supply is $399. A four-week supply of the 5 mg dose is $549 or $137.25 per vial.
However, the vials do not auto-inject like pen versions of the drug. Instead, a person must draw the solution from the vial with a needle and syringe before injecting it.
"We are excited to share that the Zepbound single-dose vials are now here, further delivering on our promise to increase supply of Zepbound in the U.S.," said Patrik Jonsson, executive vice president and president of Lilly Cardiometabolic Health and Lilly USA, in a news release. "These new vials not only help us meet the high demand for our obesity medicine, but also broaden access for patients seeking a safe and effective treatment option."
The single-dose vials are available for people with obesity or individuals with a high Body Mass Index (BMI) who also have weight-related health conditions through LillyDirect, the company's new self-pay pharmacy.
Lilly says it is against the use of obesity medicines such as Zepbound for cosmetic weight loss. Therefore, the company has implemented a strict verification process to ensure the vials are distributed to individuals with a valid, on-label electronic prescription from a healthcare provider.
The company says distributing Zepbound single-dose vials in this manner helps ensure that people who need the medication have access and protects against the potential harms of counterfeit weight loss drugs. It also eliminates third-party sellers, allowing people to access the drug directly through the manufacturer.
What is Zepbound?
Zepbound is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor agonist (GIP) developed to treat obesity. It works by reducing appetite and slowing the movement of food through the digestive tract.
According to Lilly, a clinical study found that participants with obesity taking 5 mg of tirzepatide while adhering to a reduced-calorie diet and exercise program lost around 15% of their body weight over 72 weeks. In contrast, individuals taking a placebo experienced a 3.1% weight reduction.
Other studies suggest that the weight loss drug may help lessen obstructive sleep apnea symptoms, lower blood pressure, and reduce type 2 diabetes risks in people with obesity.
Still, Zepbound and similar medications like Ozempic and Wegovy have been linked to severe side effects, including stomach or pancreas problems, hair loss, aspiration of food into the airway, and suicidal thoughts.
Due to an increase in reports of these adverse events, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating several GLP-1s, including Zepbound, and evaluating the need for regulatory action.
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