Eli Lilly sold its oral GLP-1 tablet Foundayo directly to consumers through LillyDirect’s cash payment channel, as well as telehealth providers and pharmacies throughout the United States.
This drug is a once-daily oral obesity treatment drug. It will be used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, the drugmaker said in a statement.
For commercially insured patients, the pill costs just $25 a month with a savings card, and those who choose to pay out-of-pocket can get the lowest dose for $149 a month. The company says Medicare Part D users may also be able to get the drug for $50 starting July 1.
Fierce Pharma reports that the Food and Drug Administration approved Foundayo (orforglipron) on April 1, making it the first new molecular entity approved under the regulator’s National Priority Voucher (CNPV) program.
The launch of Eli Lilly’s GLP-1 receptor agonist tablets comes as the company faces stiff competition from Novo Nordisk, which last week began offering discounts on Wegovy subscription plans. Novo was the first to market both the injectable Wegovy and its pill WeGoby, but the company has since ceded its superior obesity market share in the U.S. to Lilly, Fierce Pharma reports.
In parallel with Eli Lilly’s announcement, a number of telemedicine providers began offering Foundayo directly to consumers.
Amazon Pharmacy announced that customers with a valid prescription can now order medications, including same-day delivery service. Same-day delivery will be available in approximately 3,000 areas, and the company plans to expand access to 4,500 municipalities by the end of 2026.
After making an appointment, customers will also be able to access the drug through in-clinic kiosks at One Medical stores, Amazon Pharmacy said.
Eligible self-pay patients can also access the drug through GoodRx “for the lowest available discounted cash price at launch,” according to the April 9 announcement.
The discount drug platform is also expanding access to Lilly’s Zepbound Quickpen, which will be available to eligible patients at more than 70,000 pharmacies nationwide for $299 per month, according to GoodRx.
Eligible patients can also access the drug through telemedicine provider Ro for a minimum dose of $149 per month, but there will be additional membership fees, the company said. Additionally, the drug is now available to Weight Watchers Med+ members.
“Foundayo delivers significant weight loss, averaging 27 pounds at the highest dose, and we’ve made the journey from prescription to home as simple as possible,” Ilya Yuffa, executive vice president and president of Lilly USA and Global Customer Capabilities, said in a statement. “Millions of Americans can now contact a health care professional to determine if Foundayo is right for them and receive their medication at home through LillyDirect’s free home delivery or through a telemedicine provider or local retail pharmacy.”
