Zepbound: Eli Lilly new weight-loss drug 20% cheaper than Wegovy

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Zepbound: Eli Lilly new weight-loss drug 20% cheaper than Wegovy

Zepbound: Eli Lilly new weight-loss drug 20% cheaper than Wegovy

“Zepbound,” Eli Lilly’s new weight-loss drug, is officially on the market in the United States, offering a 20% cost advantage over Wegovy.

On Dec 05, pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly announced the availability of its weight-loss drug, Zepbound, in U.S. pharmacies for adults struggling with severe obesity.

In the midst of ongoing shortages of weight-loss medications, Zepbound provides an alternative for consumers.

In the stock market, Eli Lilly’s shares saw a slight increase of 0.15%, while Novo Nordisk fell by 1.5%.

Zepbound: Eli Lilly new weight-loss drug 20% cheaper than Wegovy

Eli Lilly stated that patients with a prescription from their doctors can now access Zepbound, which has been added to the preferred drug lists of Express Scripts and Cigna this month. The company also plans to invest in expanding production to meet the growing demand for innovative medications, making Zepbound accessible to millions of Americans.

Zepbound marks Eli Lilly’s first drug specifically targeting obesity, and it is expected that the weight-loss drug market will reach approximately $100 billion by the end of this decade. Zepbound has already been included in the national preferred drug list by at least one major health insurance company.

According to the company, Zepbound is suitable for adults with obesity and those who are overweight, as well as individuals requiring weight loss and maintenance due to health issues such as weight-related hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

The primary component of Zepbound is Tirzepatide, which mimics hormones, stimulates insulin release, increases satiety, and reduces appetite. It targets two hormone receptors, GIP and GLP-1, while Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide only targets GLP-1.

Since 2022, Eli Lilly’s Tirzepatide has been marketed as Mounjaro for treating type 2 diabetes and has become a popular off-label weight-loss drug, leading to periodic shortages in supply.

Rhonda Pacheco, Vice President of Diabetes and Obesity at Eli Lilly, stated in a release, “We must collaborate with employers, governments, and healthcare industry partners to eliminate barriers and make Zepbound accessible to those in need.”

Eli Lilly plans to launch six doses of Zepbound in the U.S., ranging from 2.5mg to 15mg, with a price tag of $1,059.87 per month. In comparison, Novo Nordisk’s popular weight-loss drug Wegovy is priced at $1,349 per month.

By participating in Eli Lilly’s ongoing commercial savings card program, individuals can obtain Zepbound at a lower cost. Under this plan, those with commercial insurance covering Zepbound are eligible to pay a minimum fee of $25 for a one- or three-month prescription. Individuals with commercial insurance but not covering Zepbound may pay as low as $550 for a one-month Zepbound prescription, approximately 50% lower than the regular price.

Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Michael Shah believes that the combination of a lower price and improved weight-loss efficacy could lead to wider adoption of Zepbound over Wegovy. He adds that by 2030, Zepbound’s sales could surpass $26 billion.

Prior to the launch of Zepbound, Eli Lilly’s stock price had surged by 60% this year, making the pharmaceutical company the most valuable healthcare company globally.

About Wegovy

As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, Wegovy (semaglutide) is a prescription medication used for weight management in adults who have obesity or are overweight and have at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. Wegovy is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, which means it mimics the action of a naturally occurring hormone in the body that increases insulin production and reduces appetite.

Here are some key points about Wegovy:

Mechanism of Action: Wegovy works by increasing feelings of fullness (satiety) and reducing appetite. It also slows down the emptying of the stomach, leading to a decrease in overall food intake.
Clinical Trials: The approval of Wegovy by regulatory authorities, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), was based on positive results from clinical trials. These trials demonstrated significant weight loss among participants who used Wegovy in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Dosage: The recommended dose of Wegovy is typically administered once a week via subcutaneous injection. The dosage may be adjusted based on individual response.
Weight Loss Efficacy: In clinical trials, Wegovy has shown substantial weight loss results. Participants in these trials experienced a more significant reduction in body weight compared to those receiving a placebo.
Side Effects: Like any medication, Wegovy may have side effects. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, and abdominal pain. It’s important for individuals to discuss potential side effects with their healthcare provider.
Precautions and Contraindications: Wegovy is not recommended for individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). It should also be used with caution in individuals with a history of pancreatitis.
Approval and Availability: As of my last update, Wegovy received FDA approval in June 2021. It became available as a prescription medication for weight management in the United States.
Cost: The cost of Wegovy can be relatively high. Patients are advised to check with their healthcare provider and insurance plans for information on coverage and potential assistance programs.

It’s important to note that developments in pharmaceuticals and healthcare can occur, and new information may have emerged since my last update in January 2022. Therefore, for the latest and most accurate information, it is recommended to consult healthcare professionals or official sources.