Eli Lilly Partners with Walmart for Cash-Pay Zepbound Vials Distribution
Eli Lilly has formed a partnership with Walmart to distribute cash-pay vials of its weight-loss medication, Zepbound. This agreement aims to make the treatment more affordable for consumers, offering prices between $350 and $500 for a monthly supply. The rollout is expected to take place at Walmart locations nationwide by mid-November.
Eli Lilly’s Strategic Decision
The cash-pay initiative represents a significant reduction from the typical retail price of Zepbound pens, which can exceed $1,000 per monthly supply. This move aligns with broader industry trends where pharmaceutical companies like Eli Lilly are seeking direct-to-consumer sales methods to lessen dependence on wholesalers and insurers.
Market Competition
- Competitor: Novo Nordisk
- Partnership: Costco for Wegovy distribution
Earlier this month, Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly’s primary competitor in the GLP-1 market, announced a similar cash-pay partnership with Costco for its medication, Wegovy. By sidestepping traditional channels, both companies can offer their weight-loss solutions for approximately half the list price, making them more accessible to consumers.
Impact on Prescription Fulfillment
In the second quarter of 2025, Eli Lilly reported that around 35% of new Zepbound prescriptions were filled through its direct-to-consumer platform. This shift showcases a promising trend in cash-pay sales for GLP-1 medications, which are often not covered by insurance.
Challenges and Collaborations
Direct marketing is relatively new territory for pharmaceutical companies like Lilly and Novo. Both have established partnerships with telehealth companies for distributing their cash-pay options, though these collaborations have sometimes faced operational challenges.
Walmart’s Evolving Capabilities
Walmart is also enhancing its pharmaceutical delivery services, specifically in refrigerated prescription deliveries. This expansion comes as more companies, including Amazon, build their pharmacy services and capacities.
Recent Developments
Additionally, Weight Watchers has recently partnered with Amazon to provide access to GLP-1 medications through its platform. This trend indicates a growing emphasis on making weight-loss treatments more convenient and accessible to consumers across various retail channels.
