Eli Lilly announced that all approved single-dose vial strengths of Zepbound (tirzepatide), including the highest doses of 12.5 mg and 15 mg, will soon be available through LillyDirect’s Self Pay Pharmacy Solutions at a flat price of $499 per month. According to the company, the two highest doses are expected to be available for prescribing starting next month, with shipments beginning in early August.¹

How is Lilly Expanding Access to Zepbound Through LillyDirect?

"Obesity is a serious, chronic disease, and access to obesity medications should be treated with the same urgency as other chronic conditions," said Rhonda Pacheco, group VP, US cardiometabolic health, Lilly, in a press release.

Zepbound Dosing, Delivery Formats, and Discounted Pricing

Zepbound is currently available in 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, or 15 mg per 0.5 mL doses in a single-dose pen. The 2.5 mg starter dose will be available at a reduced price of $349, but is not approved as a maintenance dose. Through the Zepbound Self Pay Journey Program, patients can also access higher dose autoinjector pens at reduced prices if they refill within 45 days of the previous shipment.¹

What LillyDirect Offers Patients and Providers

Lilly first announced the launch of LillyDirect in January 2024. The digital platform was designed to sell Lilly’s drugs directly to consumers with a prescription for conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and migraine. The platform also facilitates access to medications by connecting patients with independent telehealth providers and other disease management resources.

This model eliminates the need for patients to obtain a prescription from a physician and separately visit a pharmacy to have it filled. According to the company, LillyDirect Pharmacy Solutions is powered by third-party online pharmacy fulfillment services to provide patients a home delivery option.²

Prescriptions Must Still Come from Licensed Providers

While anyone who qualifies for LillyDirect can use its services, a prescription from a licensed prescriber is required to order medicines. Although there are a number of providers listed on the platform, fulfillment is not limited to the listed providers.

According to the LillyDirect website, all providers have the ability to send prescriptions to the platform via LillyDirect listings in their electronic health record systems. Healthgrades, an independent service provider, offers a tool on the site to help users find local healthcare professionals for in-person care, some of whom may also offer telehealth services. Treatment decisions, including whether to prescribe medications, are made solely by the provider’s care team, and use of this tool does not imply that a Lilly treatment will be prescribed.³

Indications for Use and Approval Timeline

Zepbound is currently approved, alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related comorbidity, and for the treatment of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults with obesity. It was first approved in November 2023 for chronic weight management. In December 2023, it became the first prescription medicine to be approved for moderate OSA in adults with obesity.⁴

Lilly’s Broader Strategy and Patient Support Tools

"Lilly was the first company to offer a self-pay solution for an FDA-approved obesity medication, and we continue to work to expand coverage for Zepbound,” continued Pacheco, in the press release. “In the meantime, the availability of the two highest-dose Zepbound vials gives providers and patients another important treatment option."

As Lilly works to expand insurance coverage, it is offering tools on Zepbound’s website to help patients navigate denials and submit letters of medical necessity.¹

References

1. Lilly to offer all approved doses of Zepbound (tirzepatide) single-dose vials through LillyDirect Self Pay Pharmacy Solutions. Lilly. June 16, 2025. Accessed June 16, 2025. https://investor.lilly.com/news-releases/news-release-details/lilly-offer-all-approved-doses-zepbound-tirzepatide-single-dose

2. Eli Lilly Launches Telehealth Platform to Sell Certain Drugs Directly to Consumers. PharmExec. January 5, 2024. Accessed June 16, 2025. https://www.pharmexec.com/view/eli-lilly-launches-telehealth-platform-to-sell-certain-drugs-directly-to-consumers

3. Frequently Asked Questions. LillyDirect. Accessed June 16, 2025. https://lillydirect.lilly.com/faq

4. Zepbound FDA Approval History. Drugs.com. Accessed June 16, 2025. https://www.drugs.com/history/zepbound.html