Post by : Bianca
Haleem
Shares of Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk rose Thursday after reports of a potential White House plan to reduce the price of major weight‑loss medicines and broaden patient access through Medicare and Medicaid.
The policy would focus on GLP‑1 therapies, with Novo’s Wegovy and Lilly’s Zepbound leading U.S. sales. These treatments are mainly offered as weekly injections and carry list prices above $1,000 per month, though both manufacturers currently advertise a $499 monthly cash option.
Though Novo launched first, Lilly’s Zepbound has been rapidly expanding its patient base. Analysts say the pricing model under discussion could particularly advantage Lilly and strengthen its foothold in the U.S. weight‑loss market.
Officials describe the move as part of a wider drive to make prescription drugs more affordable. The plan would limit reliance on traditional pharmacy benefit managers and echoes the Trump administration’s approach to lowering drug spending. Other drugmakers, including Pfizer and AstraZeneca, have participated in comparable direct‑to‑consumer initiatives such as TrumpRx.
Observers note that a monthly price cap—potentially near $150—could open access for millions, including those reluctant to use injectables. Lilly is also preparing an oral GLP‑1 candidate, Orforglipron, while Novo’s oral version of Wegovy is under FDA review with a decision expected by late 2025.
With both firms racing to bring oral alternatives to market, the U.S. obesity treatment landscape could change notably, increasing access and intensifying competition in a high‑demand sector.
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