Eli Lilly Expands Zepbound Access with New Vial Doses, Self-Pay Savings

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Eli Lilly has introduced additional vial options for tirzepatide (Zepbound) and updated pricing through its new Zepbound Self Pay Journey Program.¹

In a February 25, 2025, press release, the company announced the availability of 7.5 mg and 10 mg single-dose vials of Zepbound, priced at $499 per month, exclusively through LillyDirect Self Pay Pharmacy Solutions. In addition, the prices of the 2.5 mg and 5 mg vials have been reduced, providing self-pay patients with more accessible options outside of insurance.¹

In response to the announcement, Joe Nadglowski, president and CEO of the Obesity Action Coalition, acknowledged the affordability improvements but emphasized the continued need for broader insurance coverage for obesity treatment.¹

"The OAC applauds Lilly for another step forward in improving the affordability of obesity treatment," Nadglowski said in the press release. "However, we still have a long way to go in building a health care system that provides comprehensive care, coverage and payment of such care for people with obesity that is free of weight bias."¹

Tirzepatide is the first dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist approved for chronic weight management in adults in November 2023. It is indicated for adults with obesity or overweight who have at least one weight-related medical condition.² In December 2024, the FDA approved the medication for treating moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity when combined with diet and physical activity.³

Zepbound will now be available in 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg single-dose pens, with recommended maintenance dosages of 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg administered subcutaneously once weekly, according to Eli Lilly.¹

Despite its clinical benefits and rapid rise in demand in recent years, the cost of tirzepatide remains a barrier for many patients. Insurance coverage for tirzepatide varies, with some plans excluding it altogether or requiring high copayments and prior authorization.⁴

“Every major medical organization and establishment recognizes obesity as a chronic disease, yet insurance and federal programs do not systematically cover people living with obesity for medical care—this needs to change,” Patrik Jonsson, executive vice president and president of Lilly Cardiometabolic Health and Lilly USA, said in the release.¹

The Zepbound Self Pay Journey Program aims to improve affordability by offering the 7.5 mg ($599) and 10 mg ($699) vials at a reduced price of $499 per month for the initial fill and for refills completed within 45 days. The 2.5 mg and 5 mg vials are now priced at $349 and $499 per month, respectively.¹

"Lilly is committed to working with all parties to solve this problem, and in the meantime, we'll continue to implement new options that improve the affordability and availability of our safe, approved, and studied Zepbound for patients who are being asked to pay out-of-pocket,” Jonsson said in a news release.¹

References:

1. Lilly launches additional Zepbound vial doses and offers new savings for self-pay patients. Lilly Investors. News release. Published February 25, 2025. Accessed February 26, 2025. https://investor.lilly.com/news-releases/news-release-details/lilly-launches-additional-zepbound-vial-doses-and-offers-new
2. Halsey G. Tirzepatide approved by FDA for chronic weight management in adults. Patient Care Online. November 9, 2023. https://www.patientcareonline.com/view/tirzepatide-approved-by-fda-for-chronic-weight-management-in-adults
3. Patient Care Editorial Staff. FDA approves tirzepatide as first drug for obstructive sleep apnea with obesity. Patient Care Online. December 20, 2024. https://www.patientcareonline.com/view/fda-approves-tirzepatide-as-first-drug-for-obstructive-sleep-apnea-with-obesity
4. Holmes TE. How much does Zepbound (tirzepatide) cost without insurance? GoodRx. Updated September 20, 2024. Accessed February 26, 2025. https://www.goodrx.com/zepbound/weight-loss-tirzepatide-cost?label_override=undefined