Weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Zepbound can cost between $900 to $1,500 monthly, a price attributed to the extensive costs of nearly $3 billion and 15 years needed to develop them. Eli Lilly's CEO, David Ricks, emphasized the importance of these profits for covering failed projects and the limited patent lifespan allowing only 10-12 years to recoup investments. He also noted that after patents expire, generic versions are released, making drugs more accessible, although profits for original developers diminish significantly.
"The return on that risk needs to be substantial... no one would have undertaken the risks to invent it."
"By the time their latest wonder drug is approved... they only have about 10 to 12 years to cash in before their patent expires."
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