Pricey blockbuster GLP-1s are costing users - and most of the rest of us, too - Harvard Gazette

""If you look at the change in your health insurance premium this year over last year, about 30 percent of that is GLP-1s," Maini said."

""They're expensive in part because they're effective, and patients value what they offer.""

""The Trump administration in November announced new deals to lower the cost of the notoriously pricey drugs to a $50 monthly copay for people who rely on Medicare for health insurance.""

GLP-1 weight-loss drugs have rapidly increased use, with about 12% of U.S. adults reporting use and over 25% worldwide potentially benefiting. High list prices, patent protection, and limited generic competition keep costs elevated and create near-monopolies for manufacturers. New deals reduced Medicare copays to $50 monthly, and platforms like TrumpRX offer discounts for uninsured or higher-pay patients, while some states restrict Medicaid coverage. Insurers are passing costs to consumers through higher premiums; Harvard researcher Luca Maini attributes roughly 30% of year-over-year premium increases to GLP-1s. Price competition among molecules has begun to lower costs but patents delay broad generic entry.

Read at Harvard Gazette