Eli Lilly Chief Executive Dave Ricks disclosed that approximately 700,000 newly eligible seniors have initiated GLP-1 treatments following Medicare’s coverage expansion for obesity drugs, which commenced in July. According to Ricks in remarks to CNBC, roughly 70% of these new patients opted for Lilly’s medications rather than competing alternatives.
The coverage operates through a temporary initiative called “Bridge,” which enables qualifying Medicare beneficiaries to obtain weight loss medications with a reduced $50 monthly out-of-pocket cost. The federal program covers approximately 66 million individuals age 65 and older as well as those with disabilities. Under this program, eligible patients can access Lilly’s established obesity injection Zepbound, its recently introduced obesity pill Foundayo, and Novo’s competing injectable and pill formulations, both marketed under the Wegovy brand name.
Ricks indicated that Zepbound has emerged as the primary beneficiary of the Medicare coverage expansion to date. He characterized the overall rollout as “very encouraging” and noted that the expansion aligns with the company’s expectations regarding market growth. According to Ricks, physicians continue to prioritize Zepbound for patients with substantial weight management needs and significant comorbidities. Lilly’s Foundayo pill addresses a different patient segment, serving those seeking convenience and modest weight reduction targets of 25 to 30 pounds, he explained.
Findayo experienced a later market entry compared to Novo’s oral offering, launching in April, yet Ricks reported that approximately one-third of new patients initiating oral GLP-1 therapy have selected Foundayo. Regarding implementation details, Ricks expressed satisfaction with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ administration of the program, noting minimal logistical complications and commending the agency’s physician education efforts and coordination with pharmaceutical companies and insurers.
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