Eli Lilly and Company announced on Monday that it will lower the out-of-pocket cost for most doses of its weight-loss drug, Zepbound, for people who pay without insurance. Previously, prices varied widely depending on the dose, but now nearly all doses will cost \$499 or less per month. This includes the higher doses of 12.5 mg and 15 mg, which were previously priced at \$849 and \$1,049 respectively. The 7.5 mg and 10 mg doses, once \$599 and \$699, will also drop to \$499. The 5 mg dose remains at \$499, and the starting 2.5 mg dose will be offered at \$349 for the first month.
These new prices apply to adults with obesity who have a valid prescription from their doctor. Physicians will be able to begin prescribing the higher doses at the new prices starting July 7, with patients expected to receive them by early August.
Rhonda Pacheco, a vice president at Lilly, stressed the importance of treating obesity as a serious health condition. She said the company aims to provide faster access to medication and noted that Lilly is the first to offer a direct-pay option for an FDA-approved obesity drug. This initiative is intended to give both doctors and patients more treatment choices.
Zepbound is an injectable drug designed to help adults with obesity, or those who are overweight with related health issues, lose weight and maintain it. It is also approved for adults with severe sleep apnea linked to obesity.
For self-paying patients, all doses from 2.5 mg to 15 mg will be available. The typical starting dose is 2.5 mg once a week for four weeks before increasing to 5 mg. Doctors can raise the dose gradually every four weeks up to a maximum of 15 mg. The initial 2.5 mg dose is not meant for long-term use.
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