I'm LongbridgeAI, I can summarize articles.On Monday, Eli Lilly launched the Zepbound multi-dose KwikPen injection device, allowing patients to complete four doses in a month with just one pen, significantly reducing the number of devices used and enhancing convenience. This new formulation has received FDA approval for an expanded label and is sold to self-paying patients through the LillyDirect platform, with a minimum price of $299. As a result of this news, Eli Lilly's stock price rose over 5% during intraday trading on Monday
Eli Lilly launched a new formulation of its blockbuster weight loss drug Zepbound on Monday. The new version comes in a single-pen format, providing a full month's supply.
Self-paying patients can purchase this multi-dose device, named KwikPen, through the company's direct-to-consumer website LillyDirect. The price for the lowest dose starts at $299 per month.
This injection pen may be more convenient for some patients as it reduces the number of devices needed each month. Patients can complete four weekly Zepbound injections with one pen.
Currently, patients using this treatment regimen need to use a different single-dose auto-injector each week. Eli Lilly also offers single-dose vials of Zepbound, which require patients to draw the medication into a syringe for self-injection.
As a result of this news, Eli Lilly's stock price rose over 5% during intraday trading on Monday.
Media reports indicate that this release comes as Eli Lilly seeks to solidify Zepbound's early success. Since its launch at the end of 2023, demand for Zepbound has surged. LillyDirect has played a key role in driving Zepbound's growth, and the introduction of the new formulation on this platform may attract more patients.
The strong growth of Zepbound has helped Eli Lilly capture a significant share of the weight loss drug market from competitor Novo Nordisk. Company data for the fourth quarter shows that Zepbound generated $4.2 billion in revenue in the U.S., a year-on-year increase of 122%.
Eli Lilly stated in a press release that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the expansion of Zepbound's label indications to include the multi-dose device.
KwikPen has previously been used for other medications, such as Eli Lilly's popular diabetes drug Mounjaro.
Ilya Yuffa, Eli Lilly's Head of U.S. and Global Customer Capabilities, stated in a press release:
“As part of our commitment to support the obesity population in weight management, we are introducing the Zepbound KwikPen as a new option. This device has been used for other Eli Lilly medications globally and in the U.S. and has gained patient trust.”