Trump Administration Announces Affordable Obesity Drugs Deal with Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk on TrumpRX
The Trump administration is set to announce a deal with Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk that would make obesity drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound available to Americans for around $150 per month. The drugs would be sold through Trump's direct-to-consumer website, TrumpRX, and could also be covered by Medicare and Medicaid, potentially boosting business for the companies. President Trump is expected to make the announcement alongside top pharmaceutical executives from the Oval Office.
Under the agreement, the GLP-1s would be covered by Medicaid for obesity treatment and require Medicare to cover the drugs for obese individuals at high risk for other health issues. Novo Nordisk's Wegovy would be priced at $149 for the lowest dose, while Eli Lilly's Zepbound would start at $299, $50 less than the current online price. Eli Lilly may also offer the weight-loss pill orforglipron for $149 if FDA-approved, with the drug currently in clinical trials.
In addition to the obesity drugs, the diabetes drug Ozempic from Novo Nordisk might also be available on TrumpRX. Medicare plans can currently cover weight-loss drugs for non-obesity uses, but only a few states include weight loss specifically in their Medicaid programs. Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk have confirmed discussions with the administration regarding the deal, following agreements with other pharmaceutical companies to offer prescription discounts.
The Trump administration's efforts to lower drug prices have included partnerships with various pharmaceutical companies to provide discounts and expand domestic manufacturing facilities. The administration aims to make prescription drugs more affordable for consumers, with plans to reduce drug prices across America. The FDA is also taking steps to facilitate the development of lower-cost biosimilar medicines as alternatives to biologic drugs.