Eli Lilly and Company has announced the availability of Zepbound (tirzepatide) in 2.5mg and 5mg single-dose vials for self-pay for adults with obesity.

The move significantly expands the supply of Zepbound in response to high demand and offers a more affordable option for those who self-pay.

The vials are priced a minimum of 50% lower than the list price of other incretin medicines for obesity.

Lilly has introduced a new self-pay pharmacy component within LillyDirect, enabling patients with a valid prescription to purchase Zepbound directly.

The initiative ensures the authenticity of the medicine and safeguards patients from counterfeit products.

Lilly also announced its commitment to ensuring that Zepbound is used appropriately and not for cosmetic weight loss, implementing a multi-step verification process for dispensing.

The 2.5mg Zepbound vial costs $399 for a four-week supply while the 5mg dose costs $549 – both representing significant savings compared to other treatments.

The self-pay channel provides a transparent pricing model, bypassing third-party supply chain markups and allowing patients to realise direct savings.

In clinical trials, tirzepatide 5mg has shown an average weight loss of 15% over 72 weeks.

Zepbound works by activating GIP and GLP-1 hormone receptors, addressing an underlying cause of excess weight by reducing appetite and food intake.

It is prescribed for adults with obesity or those who are overweight with weight-related medical issues. It is used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Zepbound is not recommended for those under 18, nor should it be combined with other tirzepatide-containing products or GLP-1 receptor agonists.

Lilly USA and Lilly Cardiometabolic Health executive vice-president and president Patrik Jonsson stated: “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.

“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 5mg 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.”

The latest development comes after the company concluded the acquisition of biopharmaceutical company Morphic Holding for $3.2bn, a strategic move aimed at bolstering its inflammatory bowel disease portfolio.

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