Telehealth firm Ro has partnered with Eli Lilly And Co (NYSE:LLY) to enhance patient access to Zepbound (tirzepatide) single-dose vials for obesity treatment.
Through LillyDirect, Ro will provide patients with streamlined access to this FDA-approved medication at a self-pay price, making it more affordable for clinically eligible individuals.
The collaboration integrates diagnosis, prescription, and home delivery into one platform.
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Eli Lilly's executive vice president, Patrik Jonsson, emphasized the importance of affordability and accessibility in obesity care, noting that Zepbound's lower-cost vials represent a significant step toward breaking down barriers. "Our goal is to provide safe and effective treatment options that patients can trust," Jonsson stated.
"Lilly's release of Zepbound single-dose vials at a lower, self-pay-only price was groundbreaking and reflects the patient-centric model upon which Ro was founded. This integration further streamlines access to the only approved dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist without patients ever having to leave the Ro app, let alone leave their home," said Zach Reitano, co-founder & CEO of Ro.
CNBC notes that the collaboration enables eligible patients to access Zepbound through a "complete end-to-end" experience. Patients can receive a diagnosis, obtain a prescription, and have the medication delivered directly to their homes via Gifthealth, a digital pharmacy partnered with LillyDirect.
Zepbound vials are cash-pay products priced at $399 for a 2.5 mg dose and $549 for a 5 mg dose.
Ro also provides extensive ongoing support for weight management, including personalized care plans, 24/7 access to licensed physicians, coaching, and tools for monitoring progress.
Using data, the platform helps patients choose the most cost-effective medication, whether through insurance or cash payment.
Ro additionally assists with prescriptions for Novo Nordisk A/S' (NYSE:NVO) rival drug, Wegovy (semaglutide), and compounded alternatives.
Last week, Eli Lilly revealed topline data from the SURMOUNT-5 phase 3b trial of Zepbound (tirzepatide) compared with Novo Nordisk's Wegovy (semaglutide) in adults with obesity, or overweight with at least one of the following comorbidities.
Zepbound provided a 47% greater relative weight loss compared to Wegovy. On average, Zepbound led to a superior weight loss of 20.2% compared to 13.7% with Wegovy.
Price Action: At last check Thursday, LLY stock was up 0.31% at $798.50.
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Photo Source: Eli Lilly and Company
