Eli Lilly secures full PBM coverage for obesity drug portfolio expanding access to millions
By: IPP Bureau
Last updated : May 29, 2026 11:24 am
The move marks one of the most significant coverage expansions yet in obesity care, bringing FDA-approved treatment options further into mainstream insurance plans rather than out-of-pocket reach
Global pharma powerhouse Eli Lilly and Company has announced a major breakthrough in obesity drug access.
The company has said that all three of the largest US pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) will now cover its full obesity medicine portfolio—dramatically expanding insurance-based access for millions of Americans.
The move marks one of the most significant coverage expansions yet in obesity care, bringing FDA-approved treatment options further into mainstream insurance plans rather than out-of-pocket reach.
"For too long, effective obesity treatment has been out of reach for the people who need it," said Ilya Yuffa, executive vice president and president of Lilly USA and global customer capabilities.
"Not all medicines work the same way for patients. Broader coverage puts real choice in the hands of millions of Americans and their doctors."
The company said it has been working across major PBMs to broaden access, with coverage changes now rolling out in phases. U
nder the new agreements, CVS Caremark Commercial Template coverage begins June 1 for Foundayo (orforglipron). Existing patients on Zepbound (tirzepatide) will continue uninterrupted coverage, with broader template plan access expanding by October 1.
For eligible commercially insured patients, both treatments may be available for as little as $25 per month. Medicare Part D beneficiaries could also see costs reduced to $50 per month beginning July 1 through the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program.
Together, the two therapies represent Lilly’s dual-track obesity strategy: a once-daily oral option in Foundayo and a leading injectable in Zepbound, giving patients and physicians more flexibility in treatment choice.
Foundayo is described as the only once-daily GLP-1 pill for weight management that can be taken at any time of day without food or water restrictions. Zepbound remains the most-prescribed injectable weight-loss medicine in the United States.
Patients can check eligibility and savings details at Foundayo.com and Zepbound.com, with coverage updates expected to continue rolling out in the coming months. Health providers are encouraging patients to review options as access expands.
Zepbound (tirzepatide) is the first dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for obesity, used alongside diet and exercise for adults with obesity or weight-related conditions, and also approved for obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity.
Foundayo (orforglipron), discovered by Chugai Pharmaceutical Co and licensed to Lilly in 2018, is an oral GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for chronic weight management and being studied for multiple additional metabolic and cardiovascular conditions.