When will Eli Lilly launch its new obesity pill?

Eli Lilly's new obesity pill, orforglipron, is expected to launch in the second quarter of 2026.

What is the significance of Medicare covering obesity medications?

Medicare's decision to cover obesity medications for the first time is significant because it expands access to treatments and could potentially lower monthly copays for eligible beneficiaries to as low as $50.

Who is expected to benefit from the new Medicare coverage for obesity drugs?

Medicare beneficiaries who are obese are expected to benefit, as the new coverage is projected to encompass an estimated 20 million to 30 million individuals.

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Medicare Opens Door for New Obesity Pill

31 Jan

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Summary

Eli Lilly plans to launch a new obesity pill, orforglipron.
Medicare coverage for obesity medication begins this year.
Copays could be as low as $50 per month for beneficiaries.

Medicare Opens Door for New Obesity Pill

Eli Lilly is preparing to launch its new obesity pill, orforglipron, in the second quarter of 2026. This launch coincides with a significant shift as Medicare begins to cover obesity medications for the first time. This new coverage is anticipated to make treatments more accessible, with potential monthly copays for eligible Medicare beneficiaries as low as $50 for both injectable and oral GLP-1 drugs.

This development is expected to considerably expand the market for weight-loss medications. Eli Lilly's CEO estimates that between 20 million and 30 million Medicare beneficiaries are obese, highlighting the substantial impact of this coverage change. While the GLP-1 drugs offer significant potential benefits for weight management and related health complications, experts caution about potential side effects and the long-term cost implications for the healthcare system.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.