Eli Lilly’s weight loss drug, Zepbound, will be available at a reduced price, the company announced yesterday.
Patients with prescriptions can buy single-dose vials of 2.5 milligrams or 5 milligrams for $399 and $549 per month, respectively. The list price of Zepbound injection pens is $1,059 a month.
The move comes as Lilly faces high demand and supply issues with its pre-filled injections. Vials are comparatively easier and faster to manufacture.
Apart from making the drug more accessible, Lilly’s price reductions also reflect the pharmaceutical giant’s effort to compete with lower-cost versions of weight loss drugs in the market made by compounding pharmacies.
But critics are unhappy
They argue that even the reduced prices are too high for many people, especially minorities. Some fear the lower doses will primarily benefit wealthier patients who can afford higher doses.
Several expect rival Novo Nordisk to reduce the price of its anti-obesity drug Wegovy.