Eli Lilly is stepping up with a new offering in the weight-loss market, introducing single-dose vials of Zepbound, a drug formulated to tackle obesity.
This shift from preloaded injector pens to vials, announced Tuesday, is more than just a packaging change—it’s a strategic move to meet soaring demand and broaden patient access.
Zepbound, powered by tirzepatide, is part of a new class of medications for obesity and diabetes that has surged in popularity, leading to widespread shortages and a rise in compounded versions from less-regulated sources.
“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,” said Patrik Jonsson, president of Lilly Cardiometabolic Health and Lilly USA.
Exclusively available through LillyDirect—a platform that coordinates telehealth and prescription services—these new vials come with a price tag designed to be accessible.
A four-week supply of 2.5-milligram vials is priced at $399, while 5-mg vials are $529, both costing less than half of other GLP-1 drugs on the market.
This pricing aligns with Lilly’s savings program for uninsured patients, but the introduction of these vials also opens doors for those on Medicare, who previously had fewer options due to coverage gaps.
The move addresses a critical issue: despite obesity being a recognized chronic illness, it’s often misclassified as a lifestyle choice, leading to limited insurance coverage.
“Outdated policies and lack of coverage for obesity medications create an urgent need for more innovative solutions,” Jonsson added.
“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.”
Tirzepatide works by mimicking hormones that stimulate the release of insulin, increase feelings of fullness, and reduce appetite.
The drug targets two hormone receptors, GIP and GLP-1, similar to other well-known treatments like Ozempic and Wegovy.
But the drug’s popularity has also led to unintended consequences. With official versions in short supply, compounded versions—often with inconsistent dosing and oversight—have flooded the market.
The FDA recently issued warnings about the risks associated with these alternatives, citing serious side effects and hospitalizations.
Eli Lilly has raised concerns about the potential risks these unregulated versions pose to patients.
In an open letter, the company emphasized that it is the “only lawful supplier of FDA-approved tirzepatide medicines,” cautioning that other sources could be unsafe or counterfeit.
“Safety is our number one priority,” said Rhonda Pacheco, group vice president for Lilly US Cardiometabolic Health. “With LillyDirect, patients can trust they’re getting genuine Lilly medicine.”
For patients transitioning to vials, the experience will likely resemble using prefilled pens, with added perks.
According to Dr. Jody Dushay of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, some patients may even prefer the vial and syringe method, citing greater control over dosage, especially at the start of treatment.
“It’s old school, but I have patients with type 1 and 2 diabetes who prefer vial and syringe to pen devices. I don’t think it is a much bigger deal to use an insulin syringe vs. auto injector, unless someone has severe needle phobia,” Dushay noted.
“It’s not that difficult to draw up a syringe, although the elderly, those with limited dexterity, and those with poor vision will be better off with the auto injector.”
The syringe and vial might allow for some added flexibility in doses, especially for starting levels, Dushay said.
Patients could draw up less than 2.5 mg if they’re having severe side effects or less than 5 mg if they’re ready to increase but not quite double the dose.
Also, most compounded versions of tirzepatide come in vials, so patients should be especially careful with the source of their medication, she noted.
Clinical trial data found that people using 5-mg injections of tirzepatide lost about 15% of their weight after more than a year of treatment, on average.
Another recent study found that people using tirzepatide injections lost more weight and were more likely to reach specific weight loss targets than those on semaglutide.
In the business of weight loss treatments, Eli Lilly’s latest move not only addresses an urgent need but also signals a broader commitment to patient safety and innovation.
As the company advocates for policy changes, it’s clear that the battle against obesity is as much about access and affordability as it is about science.
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