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Eli Lilly makes tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) and runs LillyDirect, the most aggressive cash-pay channel in the GLP-1 category.
Lilly built its GLP-1 business on tirzepatide, a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist that outperforms semaglutide on weight loss in head-to-head data. Mounjaro launched 2022 for type 2 diabetes; Zepbound launched 2023 for chronic weight management and added an OSA-with-obesity indication in December 2024. The two products are the same molecule at the same doses with different labeled indications and packaging.
Orforglipron is the lead oral candidate, a small-molecule GLP-1 agonist in Phase 3 for both T2D and obesity. Filing expected late 2026, launch 2027 if approved. Retatrutide is a triple-agonist (GLP-1, GIP, glucagon) showing ~24% weight loss in Phase 2 — the deepest weight-loss outcome reported for any GLP-1-class molecule. Phase 3 enrollment ongoing.
LillyDirect cash-pay vials (manual syringe draw): $349/mo for 2.5-5 mg, $499/mo for 7.5+ mg starting May 2024. Pen formulations remain commercial-priced. The vial channel undercuts NovoCare cash-pay by $150-200/mo for high-dose users and is the cheapest direct-pay route in the category.
Editorial summary. Pricing and pipeline reflect public information at the date of last review. Manufacturer cash-pay channels, formulary status, and FDA labels change; confirm before relying on any single source.