Trump Administration Announces Major Breakthrough in Obesity Drug Accessibility

Thu Nov 06 2025 22:24:39 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a significant move to tackle rising drug costs, President Trump reveals a partnership with Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to enhance access and affordability for GLP-1 obesity treatments.

President Donald Trump unveiled a new deal with pharmaceutical companies Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk aimed at expanding coverage and reducing prices for popular obesity medications Zepbound and Wegovy. The initiative will primarily benefit Medicare patients, offering them increased accessibility to these treatments while addressing the rising costs that have kept them out of reach for many Americans. Doctors have praised the effort but remain cautious about its implementation and real impact on patient accessibility.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump announced a groundbreaking partnership with drugmakers Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, aimed at reducing the monthly cost of their popular obesity medications, Zepbound and Wegovy. The initiative seeks to address the rising costs that patients have struggled with, typically around $500 a month for higher doses.

Under the new deal, Medicare coverage for these treatments will expand in the coming year, and lower prices will be phased in for uninsured patients. The administration also indicated that new oral versions of the drugs will potentially be available for a starting price of $149 per month, contingent upon approval.

The increased coverage reflects an ongoing effort by the Trump administration to address economic concerns ahead of crucial elections, focusing on healthcare affordability, which has become a significant worry for many voters.

While these obesity medications, part of a recent category known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, have shown promise in helping patients lose considerable weight (up to 50 pounds), their high costs have limited accessibility.

Even though drugmakers Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk have seen substantial profits, with sales of Zepbound reaching over $9 billion this year, many patients are still struggling with out-of-pocket expenses.

Medicare currently does not cover these treatments for obesity alone, only for related health conditions like type 2 diabetes. As a result, many Americans have turned to privately funded programs to cover these costs.

The administration's plan also includes price reductions for Medicaid programs, offering hope for lower-income populations that often lack access to these essential treatments.

Healthcare experts and doctors have welcomed the changes but express skepticism regarding the details of the implementation. They emphasize the need for concrete evidence of improved access for their patients who are grappling with the financial burden of these treatments.

As the White House gears up for an election year, this initiative signals an attempt to resonate with voters’ economic frustrations, especially as rising costs in various sectors continue to affect everyday Americans.