Weight Loss Drugs Wegovy, Zepbound Found Cost-Effective, But Raise Affordability Concerns
Boston, MA - New weight loss drugs Wegovy and Zepbound are cost-effective treatments for obesity, but thier widespread adoption could strain drug budgets, according to a report released today by the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER).The analysis examined novo Nordisk’s injectable semaglutide (Wegovy) at the 2.4 mg dose,its investigational oral semaglutide 25 mg dose,and Eli Lilly’s injectable 15 mg dose of tirzepatide (zepbound).
While the drugs increase initial intervention costs, the report found they yield long-term savings through reduced costs associated with obesity-related health complications. at current net prices, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios for all three drugs fell below commonly used cost-effectiveness thresholds. ICER stated, “As treatment with all three drugs results in significant weight loss and betterment in metabolic risk factors, we have high certainty that all three drugs have substantial net health benefit over lifestyle modifications alone.”
The ICER analysis utilized estimated annual costs of $6,829 for semaglutide, a decrease from $13,618 in a 2022 model, and $7,973 for tirzepatide. However, the report flagged “serious” concerns about affordability, noting that treatment for fewer than 1% of eligible patients would exceed a $880 million annual budget impact threshold.
ICER assessed tirzepatide as “promising but inconclusive” compared to the two semaglutide versions, while oral semaglutide received a “comparable or worse” assessment due to lower weight loss results and uncertain cardiovascular risk reduction. The organization is soliciting comments on the report until October 6 and will host a virtual public meeting to discuss the findings in November.
