Eli Lilly Expands U.S. Sales of Zepbound Amid Rising Demand, Shortages

Eli Lilly has started offering single-dose vials of its weight-loss drug Zepbound in the U.S. to accommodate patients lacking insurance coverage. Available in 2.5 mg and 5 mg doses, priced at $399 and $549 respectively, the drug aims to address shortages. Despite FDA listing improvements, challenges persist.

Eli Lilly has launched single-dose vials of its weight-loss drug Zepbound in the U.S., targeting patients without insurance coverage. The 2.5 mg and 5 mg vials are priced at $399 and $549 for a month's supply respectively, available through LillyDirect.

Both Zepbound and Novo Nordisk's obesity drug Wegovy have faced FDA-listed shortages in recent months. Although availability has improved, supply remains a challenge. Patrik Jonsson, President of Cardiometabolic Health at Lilly, cited increased confidence in meeting U.S. demand with both new vial and existing auto-injector formats.

Lilly reports that 86% of commercial health plans cover obesity medications. Nevertheless, patients on Medicare may face costs exceeding $1,000 monthly. The company has previously launched tirzepatide products in Australia, Canada, and Poland, and raised its annual sales forecast by $3 billion due to increased Zepbound and Mounjaro production capacity.

(With inputs from agencies.)