Eli Lilly and Company has announced a major agreement with the U.S. government aimed at widening access to its obesity medicines and lowering patient costs. This initiative builds on Lilly’s long-standing efforts to collaborate with policymakers to improve availability of essential therapies. In 2020, the company worked with the Trump Administration on a pilot program that ultimately made it the first manufacturer to cap insulin out-of-pocket costs at $35 per month. The new agreement significantly extends this approach, with the potential to benefit nearly 40 million Americans with obesity under government insurance programs, along with millions who currently pay out-of-pocket. The goal is to improve access to treatments for obesity—a condition linked to more than 200 associated diseases, including heart disease, stroke and certain cancers.
“Today marks a pivotal moment in U.S. health care policy and a defining milestone for Lilly, made possible through collaboration with the Trump Administration. As we expand access to obesity treatments for more Americans and advance one of the most innovative obesity pipelines, we remain focused on improving outcomes, strengthening the U.S. healthcare system, and contributing to the health of our nation for generations to come,” said David A. Ricks, Lilly chair and CEO. “This agreement adds to our established commitment to affordability – from being the first company to cap insulin prices at $35 to launching LillyDirect, the end-to-end digital healthcare experience.”
Beginning as early as April 1, 2026, Medicare beneficiaries will pay no more than $50 per month for Zepbound (tirzepatide), supplied via multi-dose pen, and for orforglipron, Lilly’s once-daily oral obesity therapy—pending U.S. FDA approval. States will also be able to broaden Medicaid access to both medicines. Lilly has applied for the Commissioner’s National Priority Voucher to potentially accelerate FDA review of orforglipron.
Upon approval, self-pay patients will be able to obtain both medicines through LillyDirect. Zepbound’s multi-dose pen will start at $299 for the lowest dose and up to $449 for higher doses, reflecting a $50 discount from existing direct-to-patient prices. Refill pricing on LillyDirect will be capped at $449. Orforglipron will range from $149 to $399 depending on dose. The agreement does not impose commercial channel pricing requirements.
Additionally, Emgality, Trulicity and Mounjaro will be added to LillyDirect with 50–60% discounts from current list prices. Lilly will continue its $35 monthly insulin cap for all patients, insured or uninsured.
As part of the arrangement, Lilly is supporting all four Administration policy priorities, including a more balanced global pricing structure for new medicines. In return, the company will receive three years of tariff relief and exemption from future pricing mandates.
