In a recent announcement, Eli Lilly stated that starter doses of the weight-loss drug Zepbound are now available in single-dose vials, a move that will significantly increase the drug’s supply due to continued high demand. Patients will now use a syringe to draw out the medicine instead of a preloaded injector pen.
Tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Zepbound and Mounjaro, belongs to a new class of medications used to treat obesity and diabetes that have become increasingly popular, leading to shortages in the market. Lilly’s president of Cardiometabolic Health, Patrik Jonsson, emphasized that the new vials will help meet the demand for obesity medicine and expand access for patients seeking treatment.
The vials will be exclusively available to patients who pay out of pocket through LillyDirect, the company’s platform that coordinates telehealth services and prescription fills. A four-week supply of 2.5-milligram (mg) vials costs $399, while a four-week supply of 5-mg vials costs $529.
President Joe Biden praised Lilly’s initiative as a step towards lowering the cost of prescription drugs for American families. Tirzepatide works by mimicking hormones that regulate insulin release and reduce appetite. The drug targets GIP and GLP-1 hormone receptors, similar to semaglutide, another popular weight-loss medication.
Concerns have been raised about compounded versions of these drugs entering the market, prompting warnings from the FDA about potential risks associated with dosing errors and safety concerns. Eli Lilly has emphasized that they are the only lawful supplier of FDA-approved tirzepatide medicines to ensure patient safety.
The availability of single-dose vials through LillyDirect will provide patients with genuine medication and potentially offer added flexibility in dosing levels. Clinical trial data has shown promising results for tirzepatide in weight loss compared to other medications in its class.
