Eli Lilly launched a new delivery format for its obesity drug, Zepbound, offering patients a month’s supply in a single pen, known as the KwikPen. The move aims to improve convenience for patients and further capitalize on the drug’s rapidly growing demand.
The KwikPen will be available to patients utilizing LillyDirect, the company’s direct-to-consumer platform. Pricing begins at $299 per month for the lowest dose, according to a company statement. This pricing structure is consistent with the existing self-pay options for Zepbound, whether administered via the KwikPen or single-dose vials.
Previously, Zepbound patients were required to use a separate single-dose auto-injector each week, necessitating four devices per month. The KwikPen streamlines this process, allowing for four weekly injections from a single device. Lilly continues to offer single-dose vials, which require patients to manually draw and inject the medication.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the label expansion to include the KwikPen, signaling regulatory clearance for the new delivery method. This approval is a key step in making the more convenient option available to patients.
The launch of the KwikPen comes as Eli Lilly works to sustain the strong momentum of Zepbound, which entered the market in late . The drug has quickly become the most prescribed injectable obesity-management medication, surpassing competitors like Novo Nordisk. According to Lilly executives, Zepbound is helping adults achieve, on average, up to 50 pounds of weight loss, as demonstrated in clinical trials.
Eli Lilly’s financial performance reflects the success of Zepbound and its diabetes drug, Mounjaro. In the fourth quarter, the company reported revenues of $19.29 billion, a 43% increase year-over-year. Zepbound contributed $4.2 billion in revenue in the United States alone, exceeding analyst expectations. Mounjaro generated $7.41 billion, a 110% increase.
The strong performance of Zepbound and Mounjaro has significantly shifted the market share in the obesity and diabetes treatment landscape. Lilly’s market share rose to 60.5% in the fourth quarter, exceeding Novo Nordisk’s 39.1%. This represents a substantial gain for Lilly in a rapidly expanding market.
LillyDirect has been instrumental in Zepbound’s growth, providing a direct channel to consumers and offering self-pay pricing at a 50% or greater discount compared to list prices for other incretin (GLP-1) medicines for obesity. Expanding the availability of Zepbound through the KwikPen on LillyDirect is expected to attract even more patients.
The introduction of the KwikPen is part of a broader strategy by Lilly to expand patient choice and cater to individual preferences. Patients can now select between the multi-dose KwikPen and single-dose vials, both available at the same self-pay price starting at $299 per month.
Shares of Eli Lilly rose 3.2% shortly after the market opened on , reflecting investor confidence in the company’s continued growth and innovation in the obesity and diabetes treatment markets. The company’s commitment to providing convenient and accessible treatment options positions it favorably in a competitive landscape.
Over 1 million patients accessed Lilly treatments through LillyDirect in , demonstrating the platform’s growing importance in the company’s overall strategy.
