Lilly Cuts Price of Tirzepatide Single-dose Vials to Increase Patient Affordability
As demand for GLP-1 obesity drugs surges and affordability remains a competitive factor in the global weight-loss market, Eli Lilly slashes tirzepatide vial prices to boost access for self-pay patients.
Eli Lilly and Company has cut the price of its tirzepatide (Zepbound) single-dose vials via LillyDirect, as the company extends its strategy to reduce out-of-pocket costs for people living with obesity in the United States (1). The move follows a recent decision to lower prices for tirzepatide multi-dose pens, pending FDA approval, designed to give patients more options in how they access and administer their treatment.
With a valid prescription, patients enrolled in Lilly’s Zepbound Self Pay Journey Program can now access the starting 2.5 mg single-dose vial for as little as USD 299 per month, down from USD 349, while the 5 mg dose is priced at USD 399 per month, down from USD 499. All other approved doses — 7.5, 10, 12.5 and 15 mg — are now available for USD 449 per month, a decrease from the previous program price of USD 499. Outside the program, regular monthly prices remain much higher, ranging from USD 599 for 7.5 mg up to USD 1,049 for 15 mg, highlighting the significant savings offered by the self-pay option for eligible patients.
The company’s leadership framed the change as part of a wider commitment to addressing financial and coverage barriers that prevent people from receiving obesity treatment. Lilly highlighted that too many individuals who could benefit from medicines like tirzepatide still struggle with affordability, and said the new pricing reinforces its goal of improving access across the obesity care landscape.
“Far too many people who need obesity treatments still face cost and coverage barriers,” said Ilya Yuffa, Executive Vice President and President, Lilly USA and Global Customer Capabilities, in a company press release (1). “Today’s action underscores Lilly’s commitment to improving access across the obesity care landscape. We will keep working to provide more options — expanding choices for delivery devices and creating new pathways for access — so more people can get the medicines they need.”
Tirzepatide itself is an injectable prescription medicine used to help adults with obesity, or those who are overweight with weight-related medical problems, to reduce excess body weight and maintain weight loss. It is also indicated to help adults with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea who have obesity improve their sleep apnea. In addition to vials, tirzepatide is available as a single-dose pen (autoinjector) delivering 2.5–15 mg per 0.5 mL. For weight reduction and long-term maintenance, recommended maintenance doses are 5 mg, 10 mg or 15 mg administered once weekly by subcutaneous injection, while for obstructive sleep apnea the advised maintenance doses are 10 mg or 15 mg.
The GLP-1 receptor agonist market, including dual agonists like tirzepatide, continues to revolutionize chronic weight management by offering significant and sustained weight loss for people with obesity. The success of GLP-1 drugs has spurred rapid growth in this therapeutic area, attracting widespread attention from patients, healthcare providers, and payers alike. Affordability and access remain major challenges, with high out-of-pocket costs limiting treatment uptake for many individuals who could benefit from these medicines.
As demand for GLP-1–based weight loss drugs continue to surge, manufacturers face increasing pressure to address pricing and reimbursement concerns. Efforts like Lilly’s recent price reductions and the development of patient assistance programs represent important steps toward broadening access and expanding treatment options. The evolving landscape also demonstrates the need for continued innovation in delivery methods and personalized care pathways to meet diverse patient needs and positively shape the future of obesity management and patient outcomes across the world.
Reference
Eli Lilly. Lilly Lowers the Price of Zepbound (Tirzepatide) Single-Dose Vials. Press Release, Dec. 1, 2025.