3 ms·

Universal access to GLP1s would almost certainly effectively end the obesity problem. SubQ pen injections are something even most people afraid of needles can

Universal access to GLP1s would almost certainly effectively end the obesity problem. SubQ pen injections are something even most people afraid of needles can get used to quite quickly, so even if the pill forms never get to the same efficacy there's really no reason that they couldn't solve it for most everyone once they go generic and become affordable, or become otherwise subsidized. China already produces the APIs in huge quantities for insanely cheap for sale on the black market, so we know that they can be produced for extremely low costs.

46493168 8mo ago
And the US has no plans to do it, probably because the cost doesn't even out until 15+ years, outside the timeframe for congressional budget estimates. The tragedy of short term thinking.
- lotsofpulp 8mo ago
  The US doesn't have to. Rybelsus already costs less than a thousand dollars per month, some of which is offset by reduced spending on groceries/restaurants/coffee/alcohol. This is the even more effective pill that is about to hit the market: https://www.lilly.com/news/stories/what-to-know-about-orforglipron https://www.lilly.com/news/stories/what-to-know-about-orforg... >11. How much will orforglipron cost? >LLilly recently announced an agreement with the U.S. government to expand access to its obesity medicines and reduce patient costs. Upon FDA approval, self-pay patients living with obesity will be able to access orforglipron through LillyDirect's self-pay pharmacy channel with the lowest dose starting at $149 with additional doses up to $399.
  - 46493168 8mo ago
    Those numbers are extremely expensive for people on a fixed income (Medicare patients) and the people who are must vulnerable to the shitty US food system (Medicaid). It needs to be free.
    - lotsofpulp 8mo ago
      $149 to $399 per month is affordable to many, many people, especially considering grocery and other spend should go down.
    - aeternum 8mo ago
      For those on Medicare, the cost will be $50/month. Maybe it should be free but it's quite affordable at 50, that is relatively easy to make up in saved junk-food/snack costs.

46493168 8mo ago

And the US has no plans to do it, probably because the cost doesn't even out until 15+ years, outside the timeframe for congressional budget estimates. The tragedy of short term thinking.

lotsofpulp 8mo ago
The US doesn't have to. Rybelsus already costs less than a thousand dollars per month, some of which is offset by reduced spending on groceries/restaurants/coffee/alcohol. This is the even more effective pill that is about to hit the market: https://www.lilly.com/news/stories/what-to-know-about-orforglipron https://www.lilly.com/news/stories/what-to-know-about-orforg... >11. How much will orforglipron cost? >LLilly recently announced an agreement with the U.S. government to expand access to its obesity medicines and reduce patient costs. Upon FDA approval, self-pay patients living with obesity will be able to access orforglipron through LillyDirect's self-pay pharmacy channel with the lowest dose starting at $149 with additional doses up to $399.
- 46493168 8mo ago
  Those numbers are extremely expensive for people on a fixed income (Medicare patients) and the people who are must vulnerable to the shitty US food system (Medicaid). It needs to be free.
  - lotsofpulp 8mo ago
    $149 to $399 per month is affordable to many, many people, especially considering grocery and other spend should go down.
  - aeternum 8mo ago
    For those on Medicare, the cost will be $50/month. Maybe it should be free but it's quite affordable at 50, that is relatively easy to make up in saved junk-food/snack costs.