President Donald Trump unveiled an agreement with pharmaceutical companies Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to lower prices and broaden access to popular obesity treatments Zepbound and Wegovy. The deal targets Medicare patients initially, with plans to extend price reductions to those without coverage.
Under the deal, the monthly cost of Wegovy will drop from $1,350 to $250, while Zepbound’s price will fall from $1,080 to $346. Future orally administered GLP-1 weight-loss drugs in development will be offered at $149 per month. Trump highlighted the “Most Favored Nation” approach, emphasizing that the measures would make these medications more affordable for Americans.
“Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk are committing to offer Zepbound and Wegovy at Most Favored Nation rates for American patients,” Trump remarked, noting the substantial reductions for both treatments. He added that new oral versions of the drugs are expected soon and will be available directly to consumers through TrumpRx.gov.
GLP-1 receptor agonists, the class of drugs that includes Zepbound and Wegovy, have gained popularity for their ability to promote significant weight loss. Clinical trials indicate patients can shed 15% to 22% of body weight, with some losing more than 50 pounds. Despite their effectiveness, costs have limited patient access, with monthly prices around $500 for higher doses and inconsistent insurance coverage.
Medicare currently covers the medications for conditions such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, but not for weight loss alone. Few state and federally funded Medicaid programs offer coverage, and commercial insurers have been hesitant to assume widespread costs. Administration officials noted that under the new plan, Medicare patients who qualify will pay $50 copays, while state and federally funded Medicaid programs will also benefit from lower prices.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. described obesity as a “disease of poverty” and praised Trump’s efforts to make treatments available to a broader population. Doctors treating obesity emphasized the need for increased access, with many patients struggling to afford ongoing therapy even when partially covered.
