Will New Tariffs Affect Access to Semaglutide & Tirzepatide?

President Trump’s new 100% tariffs on imported branded pharmaceuticals—including breakthrough weight loss injections like Semaglutide and Tirzepatide—are set to reshape healthcare access and costs across the country. For patients and providers in the USA, understanding these changes is crucial for anyone considering prescription medications such as Mounjaro® or Ozempic™ for effective weight management.

Key points:

• New tariffs will double the cost of imported weight loss drugs
• Major manufacturers are scrambling to build US production facilities
• Supply shortages and price increases expected during the transition
• Expert medical guidance available to help find affordable alternatives

How Will the New Tariffs Impact Medication Access?

Starting October 1, 2025, a 100% import tariff applies to all branded and patented pharmaceuticals, unless the manufacturer is actively building a U.S.-based plant. While major U.S. manufacturers like Eli Lilly (Mounjaro) are ramping up local production, and Novo Nordisk (Ozempic) is evaluating U.S. expansion, supply chains and prices will still feel the impact for some time. This could mean:

• Rising prices for popular weight loss and diabetes drugs
• Potential supply interruptions if companies can’t quickly pivot to domestic sourcing
• Increased pressure on patients and clinics to find safe, affordable access

Reshaping Global Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

These tariffs could ultimately reshape global pharmaceutical production, incentivizing multinationals to accelerate U.S. investments and manufacturing partnerships. However, the rapid escalation—without ample transition time—may force foreign companies to halt new U.S. launches or raise prices substantially until domestic operations are fully established. This shift also poses challenges for countries that supply a large proportion of U.S. generics and biosimilars, though generics are initially excluded from these tariffs.

Impact on Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, and Their U.S. Plans

• Eli Lilly: The manufacturer of Mounjaro (tirzepatide), a leading diabetes and weight-loss medication, already has a significant U.S. manufacturing footprint. As of 2025, Lilly has announced at least four new U.S. manufacturing sites at a cost of $27 billion, mainly focusing on active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and injectables production. The company claims that upon completion, it will be able to supply the U.S. market entirely from domestic facilities.
• Novo Nordisk: Producer of Ozempic (semaglutide) and Wegovy, Novo Nordisk’s primary production for these medications is located in Denmark. The company has acknowledged short-term impacts from the tariffs and has previously signaled a willingness to expand U.S. capacity; however, the full transition would take considerable time. CEO Lars Fruergaard Jorgensen notes that even U.S.-based manufacturing still relies on an international supply chain for core ingredients, raising concerns about sustained price pressures and potential shortages in the transition period.