Pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly has rolled out a new strategy to widen the availability and affordability of its obesity treatment, Zepbound. In an effort to address high demand and provide options for patients without insurance coverage, the company began offering Zepbound single-dose vials at a significant discount compared to multi-dose offerings.

The new form of Zepbound now comes in 2.5 milligram and 5 milligram doses priced at $399 and $549 per month, respectively. This move, to directly offer a less expensive product through their website, acknowledges the financial hurdles often faced by those seeking weight loss treatments. "We are excited to share that the Zepbound single-dose vials are now here, further delivering on our promise to increase supply of Zepbound in the U.S.," Patrik Jonsson, executive vice president and president of Lilly Cardiometabolic Health and Lilly USA, told investors. Meanwhile, reports from WTHR verify the availability of these new options for adults with a prescription.

The 50% discount initiative also comes as the company looks to preempt the market share from potential generic versions of Zepbound, according to a statement from CNBC. With cheaper alternatives looming, Eli Lilly's pricing strategy could not only sustain its customer base but also appeal to a broader range of consumers who may have previously been priced out of such medication options.

Apart from the cost advantage, the 5 mg maintenance dose of Zepbound is notable for its clinical efficacy, reportedly helping patients achieve an average of 15% weight loss after 72 weeks of treatment. This milestone indicates progress in providing more affordable solutions for addressing obesity.