Peptide & GLP-1 News

Tracking retatrutide, semaglutide, tirzepatide, BPC-157, GHK-Cu and the rest of the peptide market — drug approvals, pricing, research and the companies behind them.

Mississippi Medicaid Struggles to Cover Weight Loss Drugs Despite High Obesity Rates

Mississippi Medicaid Struggles to Cover Weight Loss Drugs Despite High Obesity Rates

In Mississippi, where obesity rates are among the highest in the country, Medicaid coverage of weight loss drugs known as GLP-1s has been slow to take off due to national drug shortages, prior authorization requirements, and lack of marketing. Only 2% of eligible adults have been prescribed the drugs, which can cost around $1,000 a month.

Medicare to Cover Weight Loss Drugs for $50 a Month

Medicare to Cover Weight Loss Drugs for $50 a Month

Medicare to cover weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound for $50 a month under a new pilot program, a significant shift for the healthcare system. The program aims to increase accessibility for older Americans struggling with obesity.

Eli Lilly's Obesity Drug Granted Compassionate Use to One Person

Eli Lilly's Obesity Drug Granted Compassionate Use to One Person

In a rare move, Eli Lilly and the FDA have allowed one person to receive the company's obesity candidate, retatrutide, through the FDA's compassionate use program. This development comes as the pharmaceutical industry sees a resurgence in mergers and acquisitions, with Lilly also showing interest in a hair loss drug.

Medicare to Offer Cheaper GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications to Seniors

Medicare to Offer Cheaper GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications to Seniors

A new pilot program will allow some Medicare recipients to access GLP-1 weight loss medications for $50 a month, potentially helping millions of older adults who struggle with obesity. The program, set to launch on July 1, will cover three drugs and be available to those with Medicare Part D who meet certain conditions.

Medicare's GLP-1 'Bridge' Program May Limit Access to Weight Loss Drugs

Medicare's GLP-1 'Bridge' Program May Limit Access to Weight Loss Drugs

Medicare's new 'Bridge' program aims to make GLP-1 weight loss medications more affordable, but its complex eligibility criteria and administrative burdens may limit access for patients. The program, which offers discounted access to medications like Wegovy and Zepbound, requires extensive documentation and prior authorizations, which can delay treatment and increase staff workload.

Millions Lose Insurance Coverage for Weight Loss Drugs, Leaving Patients in Limbo

Millions Lose Insurance Coverage for Weight Loss Drugs, Leaving Patients in Limbo

Millions of Americans have lost insurance coverage for weight loss drugs like Zepbound and Wegovy, forcing them to navigate a complex appeals process or seek alternative treatments. Patients and doctors are speaking out about the challenges of accessing these medications, which have been shown to be effective in treating obesity and related conditions.

Eli Lilly Grants Access to Experimental Obesity Drug to 79-Year-Old Patient

Eli Lilly Grants Access to Experimental Obesity Drug to 79-Year-Old Patient

Eli Lilly has given a 79-year-old patient access to its experimental obesity drug, retatrutide, through the FDA's compassionate use program. The move has raised eyebrows, with sources suggesting the patient may be well-connected. Retatrutide has shown promising results, with weight loss comparable to bariatric surgery.