Trump Announces Drug Pricing Deals to Cut Cost of Weight-Loss Medications

U.S. President Donald Trump has unveiled new agreements aimed at reducing the cost of popular weight-loss drugs, as his administration places renewed emphasis on healthcare affordability.

Speaking at the White House alongside executives from Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, Trump announced deals that will lower consumer prices for leading obesity medications, including Wegovy and Zepbound, to between $245 and $350 per month.

Currently, many GLP-1 drugs—used to treat both diabetes and obesity—cost more than $1,000 per month without insurance or discounts.

Under the agreements, Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk will gain expanded access to Medicare and Medicaid, the federal healthcare programs for older and low-income Americans. According to the administration, about 10% of Medicare beneficiaries will be eligible for the new pricing and will pay just $50 per month. Medicaid coverage will begin on a rolling basis as individual states opt in.

Eli Lilly said it would also receive a three-year tariff exemption as part of its deal with the administration.

The discounted medications will be available through TrumpRx, a government-run website launching by January, where Wegovy and Zepbound will start at $350 per month and are expected to fall to $250 within two years. Medicare prices for Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound will be set at $245.

Eli Lilly also announced that its upcoming oral weight-loss drug, orforglipron, will start at $149 for the lowest dose, while Zepbound will cost $299 for the starting dose—pending FDA approval.

“Lilly is in a unique position to work with the U.S. government to rebalance the global system, expand access, and lower costs for Americans,” said David Ricks, Eli Lilly’s chief executive.

Access to GLP-1 drugs remains limited, as private insurers often do not cover them for weight loss. Federal law currently prevents Medicare from covering such drugs when prescribed for obesity alone, though they are typically covered for diabetes or cardiovascular conditions. Only 13 states currently offer Medicaid coverage for weight-loss treatments.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., speaking at the White House, called the agreements the result of months of negotiation and described obesity as “the number one driver of chronic disease” in the U.S.

“This will be a lifesaver for many Americans,” Kennedy said, while emphasizing that lifestyle changes remain essential. “It’s not a panacea—it’s not a silver bullet.”

The announcement follows months of pressure from Trump on the pharmaceutical industry. Since July, he has sent letters to 17 drug companies demanding lower prices within 60 days. Pfizer was the first major company to strike a deal, cutting prices by up to 85% on TrumpRx and reducing Medicaid costs. AstraZeneca and EMD Serono have since reached similar agreements.