Eli Lilly Captures 70% of New Medicare GLP-1 Patients Following Coverage Expansion

Following the July launch of Medicare coverage for obesity medications, Eli Lilly has secured a dominant share of new senior patients using GLP-1 treatments. During an interview with CNBC on Monday, Eli Lilly CEO Dave Ricks revealed that 700,000 new seniors have initiated these therapies, with approximately 70% of them prescribed Lilly’s medications.

Ricks described the rollout of the temporary “Bridge” program as “very encouraging,” noting that the expansion of access to the broader GLP-1 market aligns with company expectations. The program enables eligible beneficiaries aged 65 and older or those with disabilities to receive weight-loss drugs for a $50 monthly copayment, reaching a population of roughly 66 million people covered by federal Medicare.

The data highlights the competitive dynamics between Eli Lilly and its primary rival, Novo Nordisk. Under the new coverage, seniors have access to Lilly’s blockbuster injection Zepbound and its recently launched oral pill Foundayo, as well as Novo’s Wegovy injection and oral pill.

Zepbound appears to be the primary driver of Lilly’s market share among the new patient cohort. “We’re capturing about seven out of 10 of those new patients, and a lot are still on Zepbound,” Ricks stated. He observed that physicians continue to prioritize Zepbound for patients with the highest body weight and the most significant complications.

Meanwhile, Foundayo is gaining traction among individuals seeking a more convenient treatment option for modest weight loss goals. Ricks indicated that patients aiming to lose between 25 and 30 pounds often prefer the pill. Although Foundayo launched in April several months behind Novo’s oral offering, one-third of all new patients prescribed oral GLP-1s are now using Lilly’s drug.

Ricks also commended the operational execution of the coverage expansion, stating that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services did a “nice job” rolling out the program. He noted that the agency effectively educated physicians and coordinated with pharmaceutical companies and the insurance system. He added that he has not encountered significant logistical hurdles associated with the implementation.