Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have made moves to make weight-loss medicines more affordable and easier to obtain in the US, especially for those on Medicare and Medicaid. Both companies have struck new deals with the Trump administration, which will change the way millions pay for their GLP-1 treatments.
CEO verdicts
Novo Nordisk’s agreement will launch a pilot programme in 2026, allowing Medicare Part D cover its obesity medicines for the first time. The company will also make these drugs less expensive in federal programmes and for people who pay out of pocket. Mike Doustdar, President and CEO, put it simply: “Novo Nordisk has always worked to secure affordable access to our innovative medicines, and today’s announcement will bring semaglutide medicines to more American patients at a lower cost.” He caveated that the agreement would have a direct, negative low single-digit impact on the company’s global sales growth in 2026.
Eli Lilly’s new deal will also kick off in 2026. Similarly, eligible Medicare patients will be able to get their drug tirzepatide at a reduced cost – as little as $50 a month. In a statement, David Ricks, CEO, Eli Lilly, called it “a pivotal moment in US health care policy and a defining milestone for Lilly, made possible through collaboration with the Trump Administration”. Lilly’s move follows its decision to cap insulin prices at $35 a month in March 2023, demonstrating a pattern of similar concessions in the US. In this instance, even patients without insurance won’t be left out: LillyDirect will let them buy these medicines directly, often at large discounts.
What’s behind these changes?
Other big drugmakers, including AstraZeneca and Pfizer, have made similar agreements in recent weeks to lower prices for critical medicines. This wave of deals comes in response to growing pressure from President Trump, who has said US patients deserve “fairer drug pricing” and more affordable healthcare. The agreements aim to boost US innovation, while making sure as many people as possible can benefit from the latest treatments.
