Big News: Weight Loss Drugs Get Cheaper for Many Americans

The Trump administration struck a deal with Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly to lower the cost of GLP-1 drugs. These drugs help with weight loss, diabetes, and other health issues. Starting soon, people will pay about $350 a month for these injectable drugs. This price will drop to $250 over the next two years for those paying without insurance. The deal also includes a daily pill version of the drug, which will start at $150 for the initial doses. These pills are still waiting for approval from the FDA. President Trump praised the deal, saying it will save lives and improve health for millions of Americans. This agreement is part of the Trump administration's "most favored nations" deals. These deals aim to reduce drug prices for Americans. The savings will help more people get access to these medications. For example, those with severe obesity will soon be covered under Medicare. They will have a $50 co-pay, and the new pricing could start as early as mid-2026. Currently, federal insurance programs cover Novo Nordisk's Wegovy for people who are overweight and have heart disease. However, there is no medication for obesity alone covered by Medicare. The deal will also help those who are severely obese get access to these drugs. During the announcement, a guest fainted, causing a brief pause. The person was a representative from one of the pharmaceutical companies. Both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly released statements confirming the person was not one of their executives. This deal is a big step in making weight loss drugs more affordable for many Americans. It shows the impact of government negotiations with pharmaceutical companies. The goal is to improve health outcomes and make these treatments accessible to more people.