Drugmaker Eli Lilly said on Tuesday it will sell single-use vials of its weight-loss drug Zepbound at a fraction of the price of its pens, as demand for anti-obesity drugs grows rapidly among Americans.
By doing so, the company aims to increase the supply of the drug and compete with digital health companies that sell compounded versions of drugs in vials, with syringes for injection, which are much cheaper than brand-name pens that have doses pre-filled. According to the Food and Drug Administration, pharmacies are allowed to sell compounded versions of drugs that are in shortage.
“These new vials will not only help us meet the high demand for obesity medicines, but also broaden access for patients seeking safe and effective treatment options,” Patrick Johnson, president of Lilly Cardiometabolic Health and Lilly USA, said in a statement.
Eli Lilly will only sell the vials through its telehealth platform, LillyDirect, which delivers the drug to patients' homes. The move is aimed at those whose insurance doesn't cover the cost of the weight-loss drugs, and who can't afford their high price. The drugs will only be available to customers who pay on their own.
“Distributing vials through this means ensures that patients and providers can be confident they are receiving genuine Lilly medicine, bolstering the company's efforts to help protect the public from risks posed by the spread of counterfeit, unsafe or untested Lilly medicines,” the company said.
According to Eli Lilly, a four-week supply of 2.5 milligrams (mg) costs $399, or just under $100 per vial. A four-week supply of 5 mg costs $549, or just over $137 per vial, and that's less than half the price of similar drugs.
“Outdated policies and lack of coverage for obesity medications create an urgent need for more innovative solutions. Bringing Zepbound's single-dose vials to patients will help more people with obesity manage this chronic condition. We will continue to advocate for a system that better aligns with science,” Johnson said.