Trump Strikes Deals to Slash Weight-Loss Drug Prices and Expand Access
Published 6 November 2025
Highlights
- President Trump announced agreements with Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to lower prices of weight-loss drugs.
- The deals will make GLP-1 drugs available at reduced costs through Medicare and Medicaid, with prices starting at $245.
- A new government-run website, TrumpRx, will offer these drugs directly to consumers at discounted rates.
- Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr highlighted the potential health benefits, projecting a collective weight loss of 125 million pounds.
- The agreements are part of Trump's broader strategy to align US drug prices with international standards.
-
Rewritten Article
Trump Strikes Deals to Slash Weight-Loss Drug Prices and Expand Access
In a significant move to address the high cost of pharmaceuticals, President Donald Trump has unveiled agreements with major drug manufacturers Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to reduce the prices of popular weight-loss medications. Announced at the White House, these deals aim to make GLP-1 drugs more affordable and accessible, particularly for those on public health insurance plans like Medicare and Medicaid.
Lower Prices and Expanded Access
Under the new agreements, consumers will pay between $245 and $350 per month for obesity drugs such as Wegovy and Zepbound, a substantial reduction from the typical cost of over $1,000 without insurance. The Trump administration has negotiated these prices to be available through Medicare, with beneficiaries paying as little as $50 out-of-pocket. Medicaid recipients will also benefit, with access contingent on state participation.
TrumpRx: A New Avenue for Affordable Medication
A key component of this initiative is the launch of TrumpRx, a government-run website set to debut by January. This platform will allow consumers to purchase weight-loss drugs directly from manufacturers at discounted rates. Prices on TrumpRx are expected to start at $350 per month, decreasing to $250 within two years. Eli Lilly's orforglipron, pending FDA approval, will be offered at $149 for the lowest dose.
Health Impact and Broader Implications
Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr emphasized the potential health benefits, predicting a collective weight loss of 125 million pounds among Americans. "This will be a lifesaver," Kennedy stated, while also stressing the importance of lifestyle changes. The agreements are part of Trump's broader strategy to align US drug prices with those in other countries, a policy he has championed since taking office.
A Step Towards Affordable Healthcare
Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, noted that the plan aims to "democratize access" to these medications. The initiative is expected to be budget-neutral within two years due to savings from reduced obesity-related healthcare costs.
-
Scenario Analysis
The agreements mark a significant step in the Trump administration's efforts to lower drug prices, potentially setting a precedent for future pharmaceutical negotiations. If successful, this could lead to broader reforms in drug pricing policies, influencing both domestic and international markets. However, the initiative's success will depend on state participation in Medicaid and the timely approval of new drugs by the FDA. As the healthcare landscape evolves, these developments could reshape access to essential medications for millions of Americans.
In a significant move to address the high cost of pharmaceuticals, President Donald Trump has unveiled agreements with major drug manufacturers Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to reduce the prices of popular weight-loss medications. Announced at the White House, these deals aim to make GLP-1 drugs more affordable and accessible, particularly for those on public health insurance plans like Medicare and Medicaid.
Lower Prices and Expanded Access
Under the new agreements, consumers will pay between $245 and $350 per month for obesity drugs such as Wegovy and Zepbound, a substantial reduction from the typical cost of over $1,000 without insurance. The Trump administration has negotiated these prices to be available through Medicare, with beneficiaries paying as little as $50 out-of-pocket. Medicaid recipients will also benefit, with access contingent on state participation.
TrumpRx: A New Avenue for Affordable Medication
A key component of this initiative is the launch of TrumpRx, a government-run website set to debut by January. This platform will allow consumers to purchase weight-loss drugs directly from manufacturers at discounted rates. Prices on TrumpRx are expected to start at $350 per month, decreasing to $250 within two years. Eli Lilly's orforglipron, pending FDA approval, will be offered at $149 for the lowest dose.
Health Impact and Broader Implications
Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr emphasized the potential health benefits, predicting a collective weight loss of 125 million pounds among Americans. "This will be a lifesaver," Kennedy stated, while also stressing the importance of lifestyle changes. The agreements are part of Trump's broader strategy to align US drug prices with those in other countries, a policy he has championed since taking office.
A Step Towards Affordable Healthcare
Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, noted that the plan aims to "democratize access" to these medications. The initiative is expected to be budget-neutral within two years due to savings from reduced obesity-related healthcare costs.
What this might mean
The agreements mark a significant step in the Trump administration's efforts to lower drug prices, potentially setting a precedent for future pharmaceutical negotiations. If successful, this could lead to broader reforms in drug pricing policies, influencing both domestic and international markets. However, the initiative's success will depend on state participation in Medicaid and the timely approval of new drugs by the FDA. As the healthcare landscape evolves, these developments could reshape access to essential medications for millions of Americans.
