Lilly launches employer-connect platform to broaden weight-loss drug access

March 5 (Reuters) – Eli Lilly said on Thursday it has rolled out a platform to help employers connect with organizations offering low-cost benefits and comprehensive obesity-care programs, aiming to widen access to its blockbuster weight-loss drug Zepbound.

* Through the Lilly Employer Connect platform, itsmulti-dose weight-loss drug device Zepbound KwikPen will beavailable to network pharmacies at a discounted price of $449for all doses * The program provides employees access to weight-lossmedicines at lower out-of-pocket costs, and gives employersgreater cost predictability and transparency * “By enabling coverage outside traditional benefit designs,we lower barriers to treatment and give employers greatercontrol over how they support employee access to obesity care,”said Kevin Hern, senior vice president, Lilly Employer * The platform enables employers to pair access to Lilly’sZepbound KwikPen with a range of services, including in-personor virtual clinical care and behavior-change support * Lilly currently works with more than 15 independentprogram administrators, including GoodRx, Teladoc Health andMark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company, as well as pharmacies acrossthe country, including HealthDyne and CenterWell * The program gives employers more flexibility to design aplan that fits their workforce, while giving employees “a clear,trusted path to FDA-approved treatments” that would help curbthe potential risks of turning to compounded medications,Teladoc Health executive Kelly Bliss said * Lilly and its Danish rival Novo Nordisk have been tryingto expand access to their weight-loss treatments and eliminateunapproved, compounded versions, made by combining, mixing oraltering drug ingredients

(Reporting by Mariam Sunny in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel and Jonathan Ananda)