Regulatory Changes Are Shaping the Cost of GLP-1 Medications
In December 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the resolution of the tirzepatide shortage. Which is the active ingredient in Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro and Zepbound. During the shortage, compounding pharmacies were allowed to produce versions of tirzepatide to help meet demand. However, now that the shortage is resolved, the FDA is requiring compounding pharmacies to phase out their versions within 90 days.
This shift means that patients who previously depended on compounded versions due to supply issues or cost considerations will need to explore new options. With compounding no longer an alternative, some patients may be concerned about rising costs, but major pharmaceutical companies are stepping in with new affordability programs.
Good News for Home Injectors: Pharma Introduces New Cost-Saving Programs
Amid these changes, there’s encouraging news for patients administering GLP-1 medications at home. Both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have launched programs to enhance access and affordability:
- Novo Nordisk has introduced the NovoCare Pharmacy, offering all doses of its FDA-approved weight-loss drug, Wegovy (semaglutide), at a reduced cost of $499 per month for cash-paying patients. This initiative includes convenient home delivery, making authentic, FDA-approved Wegovy more accessible and affordable.
- Eli Lilly has launched the Zepbound Self Pay Journey Program, providing single-dose vials of its weight-loss medication, Zepbound (tirzepatide), at $499 per month for the 5 mg, 7.5 mg, and 10 mg doses. The 2.5 mg starter dose is available at $349 per month. This program also offers home delivery through LillyDirect, aiming to make Zepbound more accessible to patients without insurance coverage.
These developments are particularly beneficial for patients without insurance or those whose insurance doesn't cover weight loss medications. The takeaway? Although compounded tirzepatide is no longer an option, the cost of brand-name GLP-1 medications is coming down, with more direct and affordable access than before.
New Solutions for Growing Concerns About Injection Waste
As more patients gain access to GLP-1 medications through these new programs, manufacturers are also ensuring that waste disposal is simple and convenient. Many pharmaceutical companies provide free or low-cost sharps disposal solutions for patients receiving their medications through direct programs.
For those who need ongoing, reliable disposal options beyond manufacturer programs, PureWay Compliance offers a safe, convenient, and easy solution. PureWay works directly with pharmaceutical companies and also serves individual patients, ensuring that at-home injectors have a seamless way to dispose of their sharps responsibly.
Conclusion
With the tirzepatide shortage resolved and pharmaceutical companies stepping up with new affordability programs, GLP-1 medications are becoming more accessible and budget-friendly than they have been in years. Patients now have multiple options for obtaining their medications at lower prices, with home delivery and built-in disposal solutions.
Sources:
Pharmaceutical Executive. FDA Updates Guidelines for Compounding Tirzepatide Injections as GLP-1 Shortage Ends. Published [Date]. Available at: https://www.pharmexec.com/view/fda-updates-guidelines-compounding-tirzepatide-injections-as-glp-1-shortage-ends
Yahoo Finance. Novo Nordisk Launches $499 Wegovy Cash Option and Home Delivery. Published [Date]. Available at: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/novo-nordisk-launches-499-wegovy-cash-option-and-home-delivery-160228264.html
