Eli Lilly study aims to bolster case for long-term Zepbound benefits
As Medicare's GLP-1 Bridge program gets underway in earnest and questions remain about the long-term use of these drugs, Eli Lilly is offering a new look at how older adults fare on its medication, Zepbound.
The Eli Lilly study published in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism examines the long-term impact of Zepbound on older adults, aiming to bolster its case for sustained benefits. Conducted on Medicare patients aged 55 and above, this first-of-its-kind analysis revealed significant advantages for those managing weight with the drug.
Six months into treatment, Zepbound users experienced a 15% reduction in healthcare costs, equating to monthly savings of up to $181. Additionally, patients on Zepbound exhibited lower hospitalization and emergency visit rates compared to others, suggesting heightened engagement in a comprehensive care management program. However, these individuals were more likely to seek routine outpatient care or physician office visits.
Ilya Yuffa, executive vice president and president at Lilly USA and Global Customer Capabilities, emphasized that this real-world evidence demonstrates the substantial impact of Zepbound treatment on older patients and the healthcare system. Notably, this analysis indicates that treatment costs can be significantly reduced, even leading to cost savings for payers and Medicare.
As Medicare coverage expands, these findings offer crucial insights into the long-term cost implications of obesity treatment, potentially guiding future decisions. The study's release coincided with a Business Group on Health survey indicating a decline in employers offering GLP-1 coverage from 2025 to 2026, driven by uncertainties surrounding the long-term efficacy and impacts of these drugs.
In 2026, only 60% of surveyed employers provided GLP-1 coverage, down from 72% in 2025. This trend underscores the financial considerations employers face when balancing access to these treatments with the anticipated benefits taking time to emerge. While the study specifically targets older adults, similar concerns have arisen regarding the expansion of Medicare coverage for GLP-1s for weight loss.
Insurers' skepticism delayed the broader Medicare coverage model, where costs would be fully covered by the government. Instead, the temporary Bridge program, which covers the cost of Zepbound, has been implemented, with the full-scale model still pending. Both Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk participate in the Bridge program, which launched on July 1 and will continue through the end of 2027.
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