The Trump administration has reached agreements with pharmaceutical companies Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly to significantly reduce the prices of GLP-1 weight loss medications for many Americans, including those on Medicare. The announcement was made on Thursday, with officials stating that the new pricing structure will benefit eligible patients through a public-private partnership called TrumpRx. Under the new plan, patients will pay approximately $350 for a month's supply of injectable GLP-1 drugs, with the price expected to decrease to $250 over the next two years for those without insurance. For the oral versions of these medications, which are pending FDA approval, initial doses will start at $150. The agreements will expand access to these medications for individuals with severe obesity, defined as having a body mass index (BMI) over 35, under Medicare. Medicare patients will have a co-pay of $50 for these drugs, with the new pricing anticipated to take effect by mid-2026. Medicaid pricing will vary by state, depending on their participation in the program. Currently, federal insurance programs cover Novo Nordisk's Wegovy, a GLP-1 medication for individuals who are overweight and have heart disease. However, there is no coverage for obesity treatment alone under Medicare. The new agreements will allow those with severe obesity to access these medications at a lower cost. The current out-of-pocket cost for GLP-1 drugs is around $500 for uninsured patients. The administration's initiative is part of a broader effort to negotiate lower drug prices, following an executive order signed by President Trump in May. David A. Ricks, chair and CEO of Eli Lilly, stated, "Today marks a pivotal moment in U.S. health care policy and a defining milestone for Lilly, made possible through collaboration with the Trump administration." He emphasized the importance of expanding access to obesity treatments. Mike Doustdar, president and CEO of Novo Nordisk, echoed this sentiment, noting that the deal will enhance patient access and affordability. He highlighted that semaglutide, a GLP-1 medication, is unique in its FDA indications, which include obesity and various chronic conditions. The announcement comes amid ongoing discussions about the rising rates of obesity in the U.S., which affects approximately 40% of the population. Health officials have indicated that obesity is a leading cause of preventable deaths in the country. The TrumpRx initiative, expected to launch by the end of this year, will allow consumers to purchase prescription drugs directly from manufacturers, bypassing insurance. The administration hopes this will lead to significant savings for patients and the Medicare program, potentially saving around $170 billion over time due to reduced obesity-related health risks. While the new pricing structure aims to help many, not all patients will qualify for the lowest prices. Eligibility will be limited to specific Medicare patients, including those with a BMI over 27 who are pre-diabetic or have other qualifying health conditions. The administration has also indicated that it is working on initiatives to promote healthier food options in schools and the military, as well as increasing physical activity among students. New dietary guidelines are expected to be released soon. Overall, the agreements with Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk represent a significant step toward making weight loss medications more accessible and affordable for many Americans, particularly those facing severe obesity.