Lilly’s decision to offer vials has also been seen as its way to combat the rise in compounding. Patients have been turning to compounding pharmacies that make cheaper copies of Zepbound, since the branded treatment has been too costly and, up until recently, has been in shortage.

It opens the door for broader coverage and access to Zepbound, which is not currently covered by Medicare and many other insurance plans for weight loss.

Zepbound is not covered by Medicare or many other insurance plans as a treatment for weight loss. The injectable treatment costs about $1,000 a month without insurance.