Eli Lilly is making tirzepatide, branded as Zepbound for weight loss, available in vials for patients who pay out-of-pocket. -Eli Lilly
Zepbound by Eli Lilly: New Weight Loss Solution at Half the Price Hits the Market
On Tuesday, Eli Lilly announced that starter doses of Zepbound, a new weight loss drug, are now available in single-dose vials. This step marks a significant expansion in access for patients paying out-of-pocket. Zepbound, containing tirzepatide, has seen massive demand as it helps people manage obesity and diabetes. Unlike the traditional preloaded pen, patients will now use a syringe to administer the drug.
The introduction of Zepbound in vial form comes as a response to ongoing shortages of popular weight-loss medications. The active ingredient, tirzepatide, mimics hormones that control hunger and insulin release, allowing patients to feel fuller and reduce their food intake. The medication has rapidly gained popularity, and its availability in vials ensures that more patients can receive treatment.
Eli Lilly aims to address the growing demand for obesity treatments through this new offering. Patrik Jonsson, president of Lilly Cardiometabolic Health, stated that the vials will not only help meet demand but also improve access to a safe and effective treatment option. Available exclusively for those paying out-of-pocket, the drug will be sold via LillyDirect, the company’s platform for coordinating prescriptions and telehealth services.
The cost of Zepbound vials is significantly lower than other medications in its class. A four-week supply of 2.5 mg vials will cost $399, while a 5 mg vial supply is priced at $529. This is less than half the cost of similar GLP-1 medicines used for obesity. While these prices align with Lilly’s savings programs for uninsured patients, this new option expands access to people who may not qualify for those programs, such as individuals covered by Medicare.
Despite obesity being recognized as a chronic illness with severe consequences, many insurance policies and employers continue to exclude medications like Zepbound from coverage. Jonsson noted that this misclassification has contributed to outdated policies that limit access. By offering Zepbound in single-dose vials, Lilly hopes to bridge this gap, providing more treatment options for patients. The company also plans to continue advocating for more aligned coverage policies in the future.
President Joe Biden welcomed Lilly’s decision to lower the cost of Zepbound by offering it directly to consumers. He emphasized that this move reflects his administration’s efforts to make prescription drugs more affordable. Biden expressed his satisfaction with Lilly’s initiative, calling it a vital first step for families struggling to access these essential medications. However, he stressed that drug companies must continue to reduce prices across the board to ensure affordability.
Tirzepatide has proven to be a groundbreaking solution for weight loss. The medication, which targets GIP and GLP-1 receptors, stimulates insulin release and controls appetite, making it a potent tool in managing both diabetes and obesity. While the FDA has approved tirzepatide under the Zepbound brand, shortages of the drug have resulted in the rise of compounded versions. These compounded versions, produced by pharmacies with similar ingredients, are less regulated, and the FDA has warned patients about potential risks associated with their use.
In recent months, the FDA issued a warning regarding compounded semaglutide, a similar weight-loss drug. Reports of adverse reactions and hospitalization due to dosing errors, concentration differences, and multi-dose vials have raised concerns about the safety of compounded drugs. The FDA urges patients to avoid compounded versions if an FDA-approved alternative, such as Zepbound, is available.
Eli Lilly has also voiced concerns about the safety risks posed by compounded versions of tirzepatide. In June, the company published an open letter emphasizing that it is the sole lawful supplier of FDA-approved tirzepatide. Products from other sources may not meet the same safety standards, and Eli Lilly has encouraged patients to rely on trusted suppliers like LillyDirect to ensure they receive legitimate medication.
Some healthcare providers, such as Dr. Jody Dushay, an endocrinologist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, believe that vials and syringes may offer certain benefits over preloaded pens. Dushay notes that using a syringe allows patients to have more control over their dosage, particularly during the initial stages of treatment when side effects may occur. This flexibility could be especially valuable for those looking to gradually increase their dose without jumping from 2.5 mg to 5 mg.
For patients, switching from an injector pen to a vial may seem daunting, but many find it manageable. Dushay points out that some of her patients with diabetes prefer using a vial and syringe over an auto-injector device. However, individuals with needle phobia or limited dexterity may still favor the ease of prefilled pens.
Clinical trials have shown that tirzepatide can lead to substantial weight loss. Patients who used the 5 mg injection for over a year reported an average weight loss of 15%. In another study, tirzepatide outperformed semaglutide in helping patients achieve their weight loss goals.
As Zepbound becomes more accessible, Eli Lilly hopes to see more patients benefit from its effectiveness. The introduction of single-dose vials offers an innovative solution to the challenges faced by individuals struggling with obesity. While it may take time to see widespread insurance coverage changes, the availability of more affordable, direct-to-consumer options like Zepbound signals a promising shift in the healthcare landscape.
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