Global pharma giant Eli Lilly and Company has announced a major expansion in access to its obesity treatment Zepbound, making new self-pay pricing available across the US starting at $299 per month for the 2.5 mg dose.

 

The company said patients will be able to obtain the single-patient-use KwikPen through the LillyDirect platform and major pharmacies across the United States. The move is aimed at expanding treatment access for people who lack insurance coverage for obesity medications.

 

The expanded program allows patients to fill prescriptions either at a local pharmacy or through home delivery via LillyDirect.

 

Lilly also launched a KwikPen Self-Pay Savings Card, available through the Zepbound savings website, which can be used by adults with a valid, on-label prescription. The card enables patients—including those without insurance—to access the same self-pay prices offered through LillyDirect.

 

The company said the savings programme applies only to the Zepbound KwikPen and does not apply to single-dose vials or the single-dose pen.

 

Zepbound, an injectable prescription medicine containing tirzepatide, is designed to help adults with obesity—or those who are overweight and have weight-related health problems—lose excess weight and maintain weight loss. The drug may also help adults with moderate-to-severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea and obesity improve their condition.

 

The medication is intended to be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. It should not be taken with other tirzepatide-containing drugs or any GLP-1 receptor agonist medicines. Its safety and effectiveness in children has not been established.

 

Zepbound is the first obesity medication that targets both GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptors. By reducing appetite and food intake, the drug addresses an underlying driver of excess weight, according to the company.

 

The treatment is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for weight management in adults with obesity or certain overweight adults with related medical conditions, as well as for adults with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea and obesity.