In Connecticut, approximately 10% of residents are utilizing the expensive weight-loss drug GLP-1, known commercially as Zepbound. In response to the high costs associated with these medications, state lawmakers are exploring the possibility of manufacturing their own versions to drive down prices. This initiative is particularly crucial, as many insurance companies are unwilling to cover the drugs after a set period, leading to significant financial burdens for patients.
One resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, shared her experience with Zepbound after undergoing thyroid surgery that resulted in weight gain. Over a span of two years, she lost 60 pounds while on the drug, which she credited for significantly reducing her cravings. However, when her blood work normalized, her insurance ceased coverage, making the medication unaffordable. After being diagnosed with borderline sleep apnea, her insurance resumed coverage, but not before she regained some of the weight lost.
Experts and lawmakers have underscored the affordability crisis surrounding GLP-1 medications. These drugs not only assist with weight management but also provide substantial benefits for cardiovascular health. To tackle this issue, Connecticut legislators passed a prescription drug bill last year that includes a plan for the state to investigate the production of its own GLP-1 drugs. The proposal is unique for the state and is still undergoing evaluation. Approval from federal authorities will be necessary to move forward.
State’s Prescription Drug Initiative
Senator Matt Lesser, a Democrat from Middletown and co-chair of the Human Services Committee, emphasized the need for a robust case to present to federal officials regarding the manufacture of these drugs. “Nobody has ever done this before,” he stated. “It is very doable. We want to make sure that we have the strongest foot forward so we can bring down the cost.”
Senator Jeff Gordon, a Republican physician and member of the Bipartisan Drug Task Force, indicated that the project will require determination and time, potentially taking several years to implement. “It could take several years and we are beginning the process now,” Gordon said. He highlighted the initiative’s urgency, particularly in light of national drug shortages.
Another challenge lies in the importation of chemicals necessary for drug formulation. Senator Saud Anwar, a Democrat from South Windsor, noted that if the state receives federal approval, manufacturing the drugs should not be overly complicated, as the required chemical substances are less expensive than current market rates.
Rob Blanchard, communications director for Governor Ned Lamont, remarked that while the enabling legislation was enacted last year, the initiative is still in its early stages, making it premature to discuss specific details. Lesser is also organizing a forum with the governor’s office to gauge public feedback on the proposal.
Insurance Coverage and Cost Challenges
Dr. Mahima Gulati, a board-certified endocrinologist at UConn Health and a member of a national GLP-1 task force, indicated that most insurance companies do not cover GLP-1 drugs for obesity, although they may cover them for diabetes. “The out-of-pocket costs for GLP-1s can range from several hundred to $1,000 a month,” she stated.
Senator Lesser pointed out that the primary issue is the high price of these medications. He aims to make the drugs accessible to all who need them and called for pharmaceutical companies to reevaluate their pricing strategies. “These drugs are incredibly important as we face an obesity epidemic,” he said, stressing that exorbitant prices create significant health equity issues.
Dr. John Morton, a professor and chief of bariatric surgery at Yale School of Medicine, expressed concern over the burden of costs shifting from insurers to patients. “We don’t see this in other fields like heart disease and cancer,” he stated, advocating for better insurance coverage for patients struggling with obesity.
The American Diabetes Association estimates that around 1 million adults, or 29% of Connecticut’s population, are living with obesity. Projections suggest that the adult obesity rate in the state could rise by 52% by 2030. Dr. Morton noted that the combination of a sedentary lifestyle and stress from inadequate sleep contributes significantly to rising obesity rates.
Dr. Gulati mentioned that a minimum of 10% of Connecticut’s population is currently on GLP-1 medications, with UConn Health alone dispensing 6,000 prescriptions in 2025. Common side effects of GLP-1 drugs include nausea and constipation. She added that while there has been concern about a potential link to rare medullary thyroid cancer, there is no substantial evidence to support this after nearly two decades of use.
Dr. Morton concluded that the benefits of GLP-1 drugs are well-documented, with studies showing significant weight loss and improvements in related health conditions. He noted that patients often regain weight once they discontinue the medication. “Half of my patients who had to stop the drug gained the weight back,” he said, highlighting the complexity of obesity management.
As Connecticut moves forward with its proposal to manufacture GLP-1 drugs, the state aims to address the pressing issue of drug affordability while improving health outcomes for its residents struggling with obesity.
