Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk are poised to announce agreements with the White House that could significantly reduce the cost of their obesity medications. Reports indicate that the companies will offer the lowest doses of their weight-loss drugs for $149 per month in exchange for coverage under Medicare, the federal health insurance program for individuals aged 65 and older or those with disabilities.
According to Endpoints News, the announcements are expected to be made soon, potentially providing a substantial financial relief for patients who currently face high prescription costs. In the United States, individuals often pay nearly three times more for medications than patients in other developed countries. As part of a broader initiative, President Donald Trump has been pressing pharmaceutical companies to align their pricing with international standards.
In addition to Medicare coverage, the Wall Street Journal reported that the Trump administration is negotiating deals to facilitate the sale of these drugs through the initiative known as TrumpRx. The lowest dose of Lilly’s Zepbound is expected to be priced at $299, which is $50 less than the current direct-to-consumer price available on Lilly’s website.
Trump is anticipated to unveil these agreements at a press conference on Thursday morning, accompanied by executives from the pharmaceutical industry. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt emphasized the administration’s commitment to reducing drug prices, stating, “We’re working with pharmaceutical companies to do that every day.” However, she declined to provide details ahead of Trump’s announcements.
A spokesperson for Novo Nordisk confirmed that the company is engaged in productive discussions with the administration regarding the most-favored-nation executive order. Eli Lilly has not yet responded to requests for comments from major news outlets.
This move follows a pattern where major drug manufacturers have made similar agreements with the Trump administration. In September, Pfizer became the first company to reach a deal to lower prescription drug prices in the Medicaid program. This agreement allowed the company to charge prices comparable to those in other developed nations in exchange for tariff relief. Following this, AstraZeneca also signed a similar pact in October.
As these negotiations progress, the outcomes could reshape the landscape of prescription drug pricing in the United States, particularly for those seeking treatment for obesity and related health conditions.