At a Glance
- First GLP-1 weight-loss pill, Wegovy, approved and set to launch this month.
- New oral pills could cut monthly cost to $149 for cash payers, down from $349 for injections.
- Retatrutide, a weekly injection, shows up to 29% weight loss in trials but with higher side-effect dropout.
- Why it matters: These changes could make obesity drugs more affordable, convenient, and effective for many patients.
A shift in the GLP-1 market is underway, as new oral pills and lower prices promise wider access to weight-loss therapies.
Oral GLP-1 Pills Set to Expand Access
Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy pill received FDA approval this month, and Eli Lilly’s pill is expected to follow later in the year. The pills are projected to cost $149 a month for the lowest cash dose, compared with $349 for the injection. Patients must take the pill each morning on an empty stomach to achieve the best results.
Dr. Shauna Levy stated:
> The pills will be a great option for patients who prefer oral medications or who have struggled to access the injectable versions.
Dr. Daniela Hurtado Andrade added:
> Even $149 a month for some is still too expensive, and it’s something that needs to be discussed with patients because they may have expectations that are not real.
- FDA approval for Wegovy pill
- Expected launch this month
- Lower cash price than injection
- Strict morning schedule for optimal efficacy
Retatrutide: A Powerful New Injection
Lilly’s experimental retatrutide targets GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon. In a Phase 3 trial, the highest dose produced a 29% average weight loss after about 16 months in 450 participants. Dropout rates reached 18.2% for the drug versus 4% for placebo.
Dr. Christopher McGowan noted:
> More is not always better, and real-world discontinuation rates may be even higher.
Dr. Daniela Hurtado Andrade said:
> It could help people with severe obesity, but we need more data on side effects.
- Targets three hormones for greater effect
- 29% weight loss in trials
- 18.2% dropout rate
- Additional trials to finish in 2026
Price and Access Programs
Cash-pay programs have expanded through LillyDirect, NovoCare Pharmacy, Costco, and Walmart. Costco announced a $499 monthly price for Wegovy and Ozempic for cash payers, while Walmart offers a similar deal for Zepbound. The Trump administration’s TrumpRx.gov will link patients to drugmakers’ discount sites, with average injection costs starting at $350 and projected to drop to $250.
| Drug | Lowest Cash Price (monthly) | Highest Cash Price (monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| Wegovy injection | $349 | (not specified) |
| Wegovy pill | $149 | $299 |
Dr. Susan Spratt said:
> The partnerships will only improve access, but they are still quite expensive.
- Cash-pay discounts from multiple retailers
- TrumpRx.gov to connect to discount sites
- Expected injection cost decline from $350 to $250
Key Takeaways
- Oral GLP-1 pills could reduce monthly costs to $149.
- Retatrutide shows up to 29% weight loss but with higher dropout.
- New discount programs aim to lower prices, yet many patients still face high costs.
These developments signal a potential shift toward more affordable and convenient obesity treatments, though affordability and adherence remain key challenges.
