Eli Lilly announced it is lowering cash prices for single-dose vials of Zepbound through LillyDirect, expanding access to one of the most in-demand weight-loss medicines in the U.S.
The move builds on the company’s broader strategy to make its GLP-1 treatments more affordable and comes shortly after Novo Nordisk introduced similar price reductions for its competing obesity and diabetes drugs.
Lower Monthly Costs For Cash-Paying Patients
Beginning Monday, patients paying cash with a valid prescription can obtain the introductory Zepbound dose for $299 per month, down from $349.
The next dose level, 5 milligrams, falls to $399, while all higher doses drop to $449, previously priced at $499.
Zepbound’s list price remains about $1,086 per month, making direct discounts a crucial pathway for patients facing limited insurance coverage.
Part Of Broader Federal Push Toward Affordability
Eli Lilly’s price cut arrives weeks after President Donald Trump reached agreements with both Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to make GLP-1 therapies easier to obtain.
Those federal arrangements include discounted prices for government purchases, new Medicare coverage for certain obesity treatments, and reduced-cost medicines offered through a government direct-to-consumer platform launching in January.
However, the federal deal specifically targets price cuts for a different Zepbound format — the multi-dose pen — which will take effect after FDA approval.
Monday’s announcement accelerates access for patients by discounting the single-dose vial already available.
Company Says More Access Options Are Coming
Ilya Yuffa, president of Lilly USA and global customer capabilities, said: “We will keep working to provide more options — expanding choices for delivery devices and creating new pathways for access — so more people can get the medicines they need.”
The company has seen soaring demand for both Zepbound and its diabetes drug Mounjaro, contributing to Eli Lilly becoming the first pharmaceutical company to reach a $1 trillion market value.
Despite temporary revenue dips resulting from price cuts, sales have continued to rise due to overwhelming demand.
Single-Dose Vials Gain Ground In Direct-To-Consumer Market
Patients using the single-dose vials must measure and inject the medicine manually using a syringe and needle.
Eli Lilly introduced the vial format in August 2024 as an alternative to pen-based injectors.
The company has not disclosed how many patients currently use the vial version, but direct-to-consumer channels now represent more than one-third of new Zepbound prescriptions.
Competitors Also Expanding Discounts
Novo Nordisk recently lowered prices for Wegovy and Ozempic to $349 per month for existing cash-paying patients, except for the highest-dose Ozempic tier.
The company also launched an introductory price of $199 per month for new patients during their first two months of treatment at the two lowest doses.
The ongoing price reductions across the industry reflect increasing competition and immense public demand for GLP-1 weight-loss medications.
