CVS Caremark Reverses Decision, Adds Eli Lilly's Zepbound to Formulary
CVS Caremark has decided to include Eli Lilly's weight loss medication, Zepbound, in its coverage, reversing its earlier preference for Novo Nordisk's Wegovy. Both medications will now be listed as co-preferred options on CVS Caremark's formulary, ensuring that patients have insurance coverage for either choice. This update is driven by the increasing demand for GLP-1 receptor agonists for weight loss. Zepbound received FDA approval in November 2023, while Wegovy was approved in 2021, potentially influencing pricing and accessibility for patients. This immediate change offers greater flexibility for patients and prescribers, although financial details remain undisclosed. CVS Caremark's decisions will affect millions and indicate a strategic realignment.
Key facts
- CVS Caremark will cover Eli Lilly's Zepbound after previously dropping it a year ago.
- Zepbound and Wegovy will now be co-preferred options on CVS Caremark's formulary.
- The reversal affects millions of patients insured through CVS Caremark.
- Zepbound was FDA-approved for chronic weight management in November 2023.
- Wegovy was FDA-approved for weight management in 2021.
- Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk are the two main competitors in the weight loss drug market.
- Financial terms of the coverage were not disclosed.
- The change takes effect immediately.
Entities
Institutions
- CVS Caremark
- Eli Lilly
- Novo Nordisk
- FDA
Locations
- United States
Sources
- Quartz —