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Prices reduced as competition intensifies.

Two major weight-loss manufacturers, Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, makers of Zepbound and Wegovy are in a battle to win customers.

Because many American health insurers refuse to fund these types of medicines, millions of people must cover the cost from their own income.

To attract these customers, both companies have significantly cut their prices. When Zepbound launched in 2023, vials cost over $1,000 per month with Wegovy at $1,600. The same products are now priced at $299 and $149 per month.

Eli Lilly is also developing a lower-cost pill version to attract even more buyers in the future.

These businesses have changed how they distribute their products. Rather than selling through doctors, pharmacies and insurance companies, they have launched direct-to-consumer (DTC) websites. These allow them to sell straight to patients online.

They continue to form partnerships with large retailers such as Walmart and Costco to increase their reach. This approach removes certain costly intermediaries.

The US government is considering expanding Medicare coverage of weight-loss drugs, which could open access to a much wider group of patients.