In a significant move to address the rising costs of pharmaceuticals, US President Donald Trump has announced agreements with major drug manufacturers Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to reduce the prices of popular weight-loss medications. The deals, unveiled at the White House, aim to make obesity treatments more affordable for Americans, particularly those enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid. Under the new arrangements, consumers will pay between $245 and $350 per month for drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound, which are part of the GLP-1 class of medications used to treat diabetes and obesity. Without insurance, these drugs often cost over $1,000 monthly. The agreements will expand access to these medications for Medicare beneficiaries, with an estimated 10% eligible to pay just $50 per month. Medicaid enrollees will see phased access based on state participation. Additionally, Eli Lilly will benefit from a three-year tariff exemption as part of the deal. The Trump administration has also launched TrumpRx, a government-run website set to debut by January, where these drugs will be sold at discounted prices. Wegovy and Zepbound will initially cost $350 per month on average, dropping to $250 within two years. Eli Lilly’s orforglipron will be priced at $149 for the lowest dose, while Zepbound will start at $299, pending FDA approval. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. emphasized the importance of these agreements in combating obesity, which he termed the leading driver of chronic disease in the US. However, he stressed that medication alone is not a cure-all, advocating for lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. This initiative follows months of negotiations and pressure from the Trump administration, which has already secured similar deals with Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and EMD Serono.