Lilly launches employer-connect platform to broaden weight-loss drug access (updated)

GoodRx Holdings

05/03/2026 12:42

Adds Teladoc executive's comment in bullet 6

March 5 (Reuters) - Eli Lilly LLY.N said on Thursday it has rolled out a platform to help employers connect with organizations offering low-cost benefits and comprehensive obesity-care programs, aiming to widen access to its blockbuster weight-loss drug Zepbound.

Through the Lilly Employer Connect platform, its multi-dose weight-loss drug device Zepbound KwikPen will be available to network pharmacies at a discounted price of $449 for all doses

The program provides employees access to weight-loss medicines at lower out-of-pocket costs, and gives employers greater cost predictability and transparency

"By enabling coverage outside traditional benefit designs, we lower barriers to treatment and give employers greater control over how they support employee access to obesity care," said Kevin Hern, senior vice president, Lilly Employer

The platform enables employers to pair access to Lilly's Zepbound KwikPen with a range of services, including in-person or virtual clinical care and behavior-change support

Lilly currently works with more than 15 independent program administrators, including GoodRx GDRX.O, Teladoc Health and Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company, as well as pharmacies across the country, including HealthDyne and CenterWell

The program gives employers more flexibility to design a plan that fits their workforce, while giving employees "a clear, trusted path to FDA-approved treatments" that would help curb the potential risks of turning to compounded medications, Teladoc Health executive Kelly Bliss said

Lilly and its Danish rival Novo Nordisk NOVOb.CO have been trying to expand access to their weight-loss treatments and eliminate unapproved, compounded versions, made by combining, mixing or altering drug ingredients

(Reporting by Mariam Sunny in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel and Jonathan Ananda)

((Mariam.ESunny@thomsonreuters.com;))