The Current Status of Oral Tirzepatide (September 2025)
The most direct answer to "How much is oral tirzepatide?" is that it currently has no price because it is not yet commercially available [1.2.2]. The FDA has not approved an oral formulation of tirzepatide. Previously, some compounding pharmacies created versions of the drug, but the FDA ended this allowance as of March 19, 2025, after the official shortage of the injectable form ended [1.2.1, 1.2.4, 1.2.5]. Using unapproved compounded versions carries risks, as they are not regulated for safety, quality, or efficacy [1.2.2, 1.2.3].
However, manufacturer Eli Lilly is in the late stages of developing its own oral GLP-1 agonist called orforglipron. This once-daily pill has successfully completed Phase 3 trials, showing significant weight loss and A1C reduction [1.4.2, 1.4.3]. After completing its full clinical data package in August 2025, Lilly is preparing for global regulatory submissions [1.4.2, 1.4.7]. This suggests an official oral version is on the horizon, but not yet on pharmacy shelves.
Projecting the Cost: Learning from Injectable Tirzepatide
To estimate the future price of an oral tirzepatide pill, we can look at the current costs of its FDA-approved injectable forms, Mounjaro and Zepbound.
- Mounjaro (for Type 2 Diabetes): The list price for a one-month supply of Mounjaro is approximately $1,080 [1.6.4, 1.6.6].
- Zepbound (for Weight Loss): The list price for Zepbound pens is about $1,060 per month [1.5.5].
These prices, often exceeding $1,000 per month without insurance, serve as a realistic baseline for what an oral version might cost. Pharmaceutical companies invest heavily in research and development, particularly for a novel drug like a daily GIP/GLP-1 pill, and this is reflected in the launch price. The only comparable oral drug currently on the market, Rybelsus (semaglutide), has a list price of around $998 per month [1.7.2, 1.7.3].
Key Factors That Will Determine the Final Price
When oral tirzepatide is eventually approved, its out-of-pocket cost for patients will depend on several variables:
- Insurance Coverage: This is the single most significant factor. Whether commercial insurance plans, Medicare, or Medicaid decide to cover the drug—and for which conditions (diabetes, weight loss, or both)—will determine the copay for most users. Coverage for weight loss medications is often more restrictive than for diabetes treatments [1.7.2].
- Manufacturer Savings Programs: Eli Lilly currently offers savings cards and patient assistance programs like Lilly Cares for Mounjaro and Zepbound, which can lower the cost to as little as $25 per month for commercially insured patients or provide the medication at no cost to eligible uninsured individuals [1.8.1, 1.8.2, 1.8.3]. It is highly probable that similar programs will be launched for the oral version.
- Dosage: The price may or may not vary by dose. For injectable Zepbound pens, the list price is the same regardless of dosage, but for the vial versions offered through LillyDirect, pricing is tiered [1.5.5].
- Pharmacy and Discounts: Retail prices can fluctuate between pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart [1.5.5, 1.7.2]. Using pharmacy discount cards can also provide some savings for those paying out-of-pocket [1.6.3].
Oral Tirzepatide (Orforglipron) vs. Competitors
Patients and providers will compare the new oral option to existing treatments. Here’s how it is expected to stack up against the leading oral and injectable alternatives.
| Feature | Oral Tirzepatide (Orforglipron - Projected) | Rybelsus (Oral Semaglutide) | Zepbound (Injectable Tirzepatide) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | GIP/GLP-1 Receptor Agonist [1.2.6] | GLP-1 Receptor Agonist [1.2.2] | GIP/GLP-1 Receptor Agonist [1.2.6] |
| Administration | Once-Daily Pill [1.4.1] | Once-Daily Pill [1.7.2] | Once-Weekly Injection [1.3.2] |
| Approved Use | (Projected) Type 2 Diabetes, Obesity [1.4.1, 1.4.3] | Type 2 Diabetes [1.7.2] | Chronic Weight Management [1.2.6] |
| Est. List Price (per month) | Unknown (Est. ~$1,000) | ~$998 [1.7.2] | ~$1,060 [1.5.5] |
| Manufacturer | Eli Lilly [1.4.1] | Novo Nordisk [1.7.2] | Eli Lilly [1.2.6] |
| Special Instructions | None (can be taken with or without food) [1.4.2] | Must be taken on an empty stomach with a sip of water, 30 mins before other food/drink [1.7.4] | None |
Conclusion
While the exact price of oral tirzepatide remains unknown in September 2025, all indicators point to a list price in the range of $1,000 per month, similar to its injectable counterparts and its main oral competitor, Rybelsus. The actual cost to patients will hinge critically on insurance coverage and the availability of manufacturer savings programs. With Eli Lilly's oral GLP-1 candidate, orforglipron, having completed Phase 3 trials, patients and providers should monitor for FDA updates regarding its potential approval and official launch.
For the most current information on drug development, you can refer to official company announcements.
Disclaimer: This article provides information based on publicly available data as of September 2025 and is not medical or financial advice. Consult with a healthcare professional for treatment decisions and your insurance provider for coverage details.
