Eli Lilly announced a partnership with Walmart on Wednesday to expand access to its GLP-1 Zepbound through LillyDirect, marking LillyDirect’s first retail collaboration.
LillyDirect is Eli Lilly’s direct-to-consumer digital healthcare platform and online pharmacy service. It offers access to medications for patients living with obesity, migraines and diabetes. Patients have the choice to use their insurance or self-pay for certain medications.
Typically, patients accessing Zepbound through LillyDirect receive free home delivery, but the partnership with Walmart gives them the option to pick it up at their local Walmart pharmacy as well. Those with a prescription for Zepbound can access the medication for $349 per month for a 2.5 mg dose, and $499 a month for all other doses.
Patients start by having their Zepbound prescription routed to LillyDirect via their provider’s electronic health record system. They can then choose home delivery or pickup at Walmart.
“Consumers are craving choice and convenience in how they access care, including prescribed medicines, and consumers demand price transparency,” said Jennifer Mazur, SVP and general manager of LillyDirect, in an interview. “This collaboration with Walmart combines LillyDirect’s digital experience and Walmart’s expansive pharmacy network … to give consumers that choice of free home delivery or in-person retail pickup at their local Walmart pharmacy. This really ensures flexibility and confidence in how consumers are accessing their prescribed Lilly medicine with continued price transparency.”
An executive from Walmart echoed these comments.
“Life is busy, and this will help people discover new, easy ways to get their medication,” said Kevin Host, senior vice president of pharmacy at Walmart, in a statement. “We are known for building great relationships with our patients, and our teams look forward to doing more of that through making this pickup option available from our trusted pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.”
Mazur added that LillyDirect chose Walmart as its first retail partner because of its large footprint and its shared “commitment to make healthcare more accessible for patients.” The company has about 4,600 pharmacies nationwide.
When asked if LillyDirect will expand to additional retail partners, Mazur said the company will “continue to explore ways that we can expand access to care.”
A behavioral scientist said that this partnership between LillyDirect and Walmart can offer more convenience for patients at a time when many face barriers to accessing GLP-1s for weight loss or diabetes.
“Enabling patients to pick up a GLP-1 at retail locations where they already shop removes friction and addresses many of these barriers,” said Dr. Amy Bucher, chief behavioral scientist at Lirio. “This convenience can lead to greater uptake and better adherence for those starting therapy. Beyond easier access to medication and refills, combining pharmacy pickups with routine shopping trips helps reinforce adherence habits. Direct-to-consumer models also empower patients who frequently feel confused or disenfranchised by the healthcare system, giving them more control and clarity in their treatment journey.”
Photo by Eli Lilly
