Zepbound Pricing Shifts Aimed at Boosting Weight Loss Drug Access
Eli Lilly is offering higher-dose vials of its weight loss drug Zepbound in single-dose vials through a direct-to-consumer website, allowing more patients without insurance coverage to access the treatment. The company has also lowered the price of lower-dose vials and introduced a "self-pay pharmacy" section on its website, making the medication more affordable for eligible patients. By expanding its offer, Eli Lilly aims to ensure that patients are accessing the approved, FDA-authorized version of Zepbound rather than cheaper, unapproved versions from compounding pharmacies.
- This shift in pricing strategy underscores the growing importance of direct-to-consumer marketing in healthcare, where companies are increasingly using online platforms to connect with customers and offer personalized solutions.
- How will Eli Lilly's move impact the broader debate around affordability and accessibility in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly for chronic diseases like obesity?