Eli Lilly Launches Oral GLP-1 Drug Across US Through Lilly Direct, Telehealth Providers

Eli Lilly has rolled out Foundayo, its oral GLP-1 pill, directly to consumers through its LillyDirect cash-pay channel, as well as to telehealth providers and pharmacies across the U.S.

The drug is a once-daily oral obesity treatment. It is to be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased exercise, the pharma company said in an announcement.

For patients with commercial insurance, the drug could cost as little as $25 per month with a savings card, and people choosing to self-pay can access the lowest dose at $149 per month. Medicare Part D users may also be able to get the drug for $50 beginning July 1, per the company.

The Food and Drug Administration cleared Foundayo (orforglipron) on April 1, making it the first new molecular entity approved under the regulator’s Commissioner’s National Priority Voucher (CNPV) program, Fierce Pharma reports.

Eli Lilly’s launch of its GLP-1 receptor agonist pill comes as the manufacturer faces intense competition from Novo Nordisk, which launched discounted Wegovy subscription plans last week. While Novo was first to market with both injectable Wegovy and its Wegovy pill, the company has subsequently ceded its superior obesity market share in the U.S. to Lilly, Fierce Pharma reports.

Alongside Eli Lilly’s announcement, a slew of telehealth providers are now offering Foundayo directly to consumers.

Amazon Pharmacy announced that customers with valid prescriptions can now order the drug, including through its same-day delivery service. Same-day delivery will be available in nearly 3,000 areas, with the retailer planning to expand access to 4,500 municipalities by the end of 2026.

Customers will also be able to access the drug through in-clinic kiosks at One Medical locations following appointments, Amazon Pharmacy said.

Eligible self-pay patients can also access the drug through GoodRx “in line with the lowest available discounted cash price at launch,” according to an April 9 announcement.

The discounted medication platform is also expanding access to Lilly’s Zepbound Quickpen, which will be available to eligible patients for $299 per month at more than 70,000 pharmacies across the nation, GoodRx said.

Eligible patients can also access the drug through telehealth provider Ro for $149 per month at the lowest dose, though additional membership fees apply, the company said. Additionally, the drug is now available to Weight Watchers Med+ members.

“Foundayo delivers meaningful weight loss – an average of 27 pounds at the highest dose – and we made the path from prescription to doorstep as simple as possible,” said Ilya Yuffa, executive vice president and president of Lilly USA and Global Customer Capabilities, in a statement.  “Millions of Americans can now connect with a health care professional to determine if Foundayo is right for them and receive the medicine at their door through LillyDirect’s free home delivery, or access it through telehealth providers or local retail pharmacies.”

 

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