The FDA has approved a pill from Eli Lilly that could change how millions of Americans take medications to lose weight. The drug is the second GLP-1 pill approved by federal regulators for weight loss and the first that doesn't require fasting or meal timing. Dr. Celine Gounder breaks down what to know about accessibility and cost.

Washington

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Orforglypron, a new once-daily oral weight loss pill developed by Eli Lilly. Unlike previous GLP-1 drugs, which are typically injectable and require fasting or meal timing, this medication can be taken without such restrictions, potentially making it more accessible for patients who are uncomfortable with injections.

Despite its ease of use, experts note that insurance coverage remains a significant barrier to access. While some savings programs exist, many Americans may still face high out-of-pocket costs, with prices ranging from $149 to $400 per month, limiting the drug's affordability for a broad segment of the population.

New weight loss pill approved by the FDA

In this morning's Health Watch, the FDA has approved a new obesity pill that could change the way millions of Americans lose weight. So the new Eli Lilly drug is the second GLP-1 pill approved by federal regulators for weight loss. It is the first one that doesn't require fasting or meal timing. CBS News Medical Contributor Dr. Selene Gounder is with us. Thank you so much for being here. So I saw this news and I go, OK, how is this different from what's already on the market? How does this work? So Foundeo or Orforglypron, that's the generic name. This is a once daily GLP-1 weight loss pill. So what most people have been familiar with are drugs like Ozempic or ZepBound, which are injectable once a week drugs. But not everybody can inject themselves, don't feel comfortable injecting themselves. And unlike earlier GLP-1 pills, this doesn't require you to fast. You don't have to time your meals around when you take it. So it just makes it a lot easier to take and therefore people are more likely to stay sick with it. Right. Because Regovi, you have to take it in the morning, fasted with a little bit of water. So this is a little bit different there. What do you think that this pill version is going to mean for accessibility for folks? Right. So the easier it is for people to take it, so no injections, no refrigeration, that may bring in people who did not want to get treated or avoided treatment before. But then on the other hand, if insurance doesn't cover it and more and more insurance companies are deciding not to cover it or restrict the coverage, it is going to make it harder for people to access. And right now, all the polling, whether it's KFF or Gallup or even our own research shows that the number one healthcare issue for Americans in the country right now is affordability. So if people can't afford it, they're not going to be able to access breakthrough drugs like this. So then just quickly, I mean, talk about the cost, right? I mean, you mentioned the insurance issue, but what would it mean if you did versus didn't have? So Medicare, um, we're talking about a special savings card for $50 a month, commercial insurance. There's also a savings card, but again, if it's not linked to insurance, you're not going to get the savings card and you're going to have some pretty high out of pocket costs. Yeah. Anywhere from 149 up upwards, upwards for the average American $400 is it breaking the bank? You know? So yeah, it's, it's quite expensive for a lot. Dr. Sleen Gounder. Thank you so much.

NASA’s historic Artemis II mission to the moon launched Wednesday evening, taking four astronauts into Earth's orbit and on a path toward the world's first crewed lunar mission in a generation, beginning a journey into remarkable territory.

Florida

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President Trump addressed the nation about the Iran war Wednesday night, saying that the U.S. would complete its mission there "very shortly." He also sought to assure Americans that the conflict with Iran would be brief compared to other wars in U.S. history and insisted that gas prices would go down quickly.

Iran Strikes

Middle East Conflict

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Brussels

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U.S. President Donald Trump is again threatening to pull the United States out of NATO, calling European allies "cowards" for their refusal to support the joint U.S.-Israeli war against Iran.

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American journalist Shelly Kittleson kidnapped in Iraq

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Cape Canaveral

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Golf legend Tiger Woods said on Instagram that he's "stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment" and focus on his health following his DUI arrest after a car crash in Florida last week. His announcement comes as court documents reveal new details about his arrest.

Jupiter

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Beirut

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Syria's president has met with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London to discuss the return of Syrian refugees and potential British investment in his country. Ahmed al-Sharaa is trying to drum up support in Europe for Syria's economic recovery after years of conflict.

London

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Madrid

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West Bloomfield Township

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Bucha

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Salt Lake City

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Tehran

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Israel’s parliament on March 30 passed its annual budget in a marathon overnight session, ensuring that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government can complete its term until the fall. The opposition slammed the budget for increasing funding to Israel's ultra-Orthodox communities at a time when the country is facing soaring costs over its war in Iran.

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