Eli Lilly and U.S. government agree to expand access to obesity medicines to millions of Americans
Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) today announced an agreement with the U.S. government to expand access to its obesity medicines and reduce patient costs. The agreement builds on Lilly's longstanding commitment to finding solutions with policymakers that improve access to life-changing medicines. In 2020, Lilly partnered with the Trump Administration on a pilot program that paved the way for Lilly to be the first company to cap out-of-pocket insulin costs at $35 per month. Lilly will now improve access to nearly 40 million Americans living with obesity on government insurance programs and millions more who pay out-of-pocket. Unlocking access to these medicines can be game-changing for Americans with obesity – a risk factor driving more than 200 associated diseases, including heart disease, strokes and certain types of cancers.
What are the Details of the Lilly and Trump Administration Agreement?
Starting as early as April 1, 2026, Medicare beneficiaries will pay no more than $50 per month for Zepbound (tirzepatide), available in a multi-dose pen, and for orforglipron, Lilly's convenient once-daily obesity pill, provided both receive approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). States will also have the ability to expand access to Zepbound and orforglipron through Medicaid.
Lilly applied for the Commissioner's National Priority Voucher for orforglipron, potentially accelerating U.S. FDA approval.
Upon FDA approval, self-pay patients living with obesity will be able to access these medicines through LillyDirect's self-pay pharmacy channel.
Zepbound multi-dose pen will be available at the lowest dose at $299, with additional doses up to $449 representing a $50 discount to current direct-to-patient prices; priced similar to what is available in Europe. When patients refill their multi-dose pen prescription on the LillyDirect digital health platform, they will pay no more than $449. Orforglipron will be available with the lowest dose starting at $149 with additional doses up to $399.
The scope of the agreement does not include pricing obligations in the commercial channel.
Emgality (galcanezumab-gnlm), Trulicity (dulaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) will be added to LillyDirect and made available for self-pay patients with pricing 50-60% off their current list prices.
Lilly will also continue to offer insulin at no more than $35 per month out-of-pocket, whether a person has commercial insurance or no insurance.