Lilly Expands Access to Obesity Medicines Through US Agreement

Eli Lilly and Company announced a new agreement with the US government to expand access to its obesity medicines and lower costs, marking a significant development in efforts to address obesity as a public health challenge. The partnership builds on previous collaborations between Lilly and policymakers aimed at improving affordability and access to essential treatments.

Under the agreement, beginning Apr. 1, 2026, Medicare beneficiaries will pay no more than US$50 per month for Lilly’s Zepbound (tirzepatide) and its once-daily oral obesity treatment orforglipron, pending approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). States will also have the option to extend access to these treatments through Medicaid. The company has applied for the Commissioner’s National Priority Voucher for orforglipron to potentially accelerate FDA review.

Self-pay patients will be able to access both medicines through LillyDirect, the company’s digital pharmacy platform. Zepbound’s multi-dose pen will be priced from US$299 to US$449, while orforglipron will range from US$149 to US$399, both reflecting reductions compared with current direct-to-patient pricing. Lilly also plans to add Emgality, Trulicity, and Mounjaro to LillyDirect, offering self-pay patients discounts of up to 60%.

“Today marks a pivotal moment in US health care policy and a defining milestone for Lilly,” says David Ricks, Chair and CEO, Lilly. “As we expand access to obesity treatments for more Americans, we remain focused on improving outcomes, strengthening the US healthcare system, and contributing to the health of our nation for generations to come.”

The collaboration follows Lilly’s earlier move to cap out-of-pocket insulin costs at US$35 per month, an initiative first piloted in 2020. The company will continue offering insulin at that price for all patients, regardless of insurance coverage.

The global market for obesity treatments is experiencing rapid growth. In Mexico, for example, the use of Ozempic as a weight-loss medication increased significantly after gaining popularity in the United States. Pharmaceutical companies have identified an opportunity to capitalize on this trend and continue to adjust their commercial strategies to meet rising demand and strengthen their position in the obesity treatment segment.

Recently, Pfizer and Novo Nordisk entered a competitive race to acquire Metsera, a company whose portfolio focuses on obesity and cardiometabolic diseases, as both seek to expand their presence in this highly competitive market.