Lilly Introduces Single-Dose Vials of Zepbound, Expanding Access for Adults with Obesity

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Eli Lilly has expanded the availability of Zepbound (tirzepatide) by introducing single-dose vials in 2.5 mg and 5 mg doses. According to the company, these vials are now available via self-pay for patients with an on-label prescription, expanding the supply of the obesity treatment, which has been in high demand. The new single-dose vials are priced over 50% lower than other incretin medications for obesity and can be accessed through a self-pay pharmacy component of LillyDirect, providing patients a guarantee that they are receiving genuine Lilly medicine. The move aims to address rising demand while ensuring patient safety through a multi-step prescription verification process.¹

"We are excited to share that the Zepbound single-dose vials are now here, further delivering on our promise to increase supply of Zepbound in the US," said Patrik Jonsson, EVP, president, Lilly Cardiometabolic Health, Lilly USA, in a press release. "These new vials not only help us meet the high demand for our obesity medicine, but also broaden access for patients seeking a safe and effective treatment option. In a clinical study, the 5 mg maintenance dose helped patients achieve an average of 15% weight loss after 72 weeks of treatment and has been a powerful tool for millions of people with obesity looking to lose weight and keep it off."

In terms of pricing, a four-week supply of the 2.5 mg Zepbound single-dose vial is $399, while the 5 mg dose is $549, considerably lower than half the list price of other incretin medicines for obesity and in line with the Zepbound savings program for non-covered individuals, according to Lilly. The company added that the self-pay channel enables a transparent price by removing third-party supply chain entities and allowing patients to access savings directly outside of insurance.

In clinical studies, Zepbound 5 mg has demonstrated significant weight loss results, helping patients achieve up to 15% weight loss over 72 weeks compared to 3.1% for placebo.¹

"People living with obesity have long been denied access to the essential treatment and care needed to manage this serious chronic disease," said James Zervos, chief operating officer, Obesity Action Coalition, in the press release. "Expanding coverage and affordability of treatments is vital to people living with obesity. We commend Lilly for their leadership in offering an innovative solution that brings us closer to making equitable care a reality. Now, it's time for policymakers, employers and insurers to work with pharmaceutical companies to ensure no one is left behind in receiving the care they deserve and need."

Lilly warns against the use of Zepbound if a patient or a patient’s family member have ever had medullary thyroid carcinoma, a type of thyroid cancer. Additionally, patients should not use Zepbound if they have multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 or have had a serious allergic reaction to tirzepatide or any of the ingredients in Zepbound. Severe adverse events (AEs) associated with Zepbound include stomach problems, kidney failure, gallbladder problems, pancreatitis, severe allergic reactions, hypoglycemia, and depression. Common AEs include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain, indigestion, injection site reactions, feeling tired, allergic reactions, belching, hair loss, and heartburn.¹

"Despite obesity being recognized as a serious chronic illness with long-term consequences, it's often misclassified as a lifestyle choice, resulting in many employers and the federal government excluding medications like Zepbound from insurance coverage," said Jonsson, in the press release. "Outdated policies and lack of coverage for obesity medications create an urgent need for more innovative solutions. Bringing Zepbound single-dose vials to patients will help more people living with obesity manage this chronic condition. We will also continue to advocate for a system that better aligns with the science."

Reference

1. Lilly releases Zepbound® (tirzepatide) single-dose vials, expanding supply and access for adults living with obesity. Lilly. August 27, 2024. Accessed August 27, 2024. https://investor.lilly.com/news-releases/news-release-details/lilly-releases-zepboundr-tirzepatide-single-dose-vials-expanding