Eli Lilly Launches Zepbound KwikPen Multi-Dose Tirzepatide Pen for Adults With Obesity

On February 23, 2026, Eli Lilly announced the commercial release of the Zepbound KwikPen, a single-patient injectable pen containing a full month’s dose of tirzepatide for patients with obesity. The pen – and its disposable needles – are already available at LillyDirect Pharmacy.1

Diabetes Dialogue cohosts Diana Isaacs, PharmD, and Natalie Bellini, DNP, discuss the promise of this new, easier-to-use pen, and its implications for the future of weight loss therapies.

Check out the full episode on the KwikPen’s release here.

In this discussion, Isaacs and Bellini review the launch of Zepbound in a new single-pen, multi-dose KwikPen format, now available through Lilly Direct, and explore its clinical, practical, and environmental implications. Unlike the previous packaging—four single-use, fixed-dose pens per month—the KwikPen consolidates a full month of therapy into one reusable device, aligning more closely with insulin pen delivery systems familiar to clinicians and patients.

A major focus of the conversation is dose flexibility and tolerability. The speakers reflect on prior experience with GLP-1 receptor agonists such as Ozempic, where patients often experience gastrointestinal adverse effects during dose escalation. While the labeled starting dose (2.5 mg) is not considered therapeutic, some patients still struggle with tolerability. The KwikPen format may allow clinicians to make smaller incremental adjustments between approved dose levels, facilitating slower titration strategies in select patients. Although such approaches would be off-label, they reflect common real-world practice aimed at improving adherence and long-term persistence. In contrast, vial-based administration—despite theoretical flexibility—has not supported incremental dosing due to the absence of preservatives and the increased infection risk associated with repeated syringe entry.

The speakers also emphasize workflow and patient-experience advantages. Pens are generally preferred over vials in contemporary diabetes care, consistent with guideline recommendations in insulin therapy. The KwikPen reduces device burden for patients, particularly during travel, as one pen replaces four disposable devices per month. Environmental considerations are also highlighted: transitioning from four disposable pens to one reusable pen per month meaningfully decreases medical waste and landfill contribution.

Operational details are addressed for prescribers. The KwikPen does not include pen needles, requiring a separate prescription or over-the-counter purchase. The speakers recommend 4- or 5-mm pen needles for most patients and caution against longer lengths. Additionally, unlike Ozempic—which requires priming only once upon first use—the Zepbound KwikPen should be primed prior to each injection, similar to insulin pens. This distinction is clinically relevant for patient education.

Importantly, all dose strengths, including higher maintenance doses (e.g., 15 mg), are available at launch. This allows patients currently receiving vial formulations to transition immediately without dose disruption. The speakers conclude that the KwikPen represents a meaningful advancement in convenience, tolerability management, and sustainability, while underscoring the importance of prescriber familiarity with its distinct administration requirements.

Editor’s Note: Isaacs reports disclosures with Dexcom, Abbott, Lilly, Novo Nordisk, Medtronic, Insulet, and others. Bellini reports disclosures with Abbott Diabetes Care, MannKind, Povention Bio, and others.

References

1: Eli Lilly. Zepbound (tirzepatide), the most prescribed weight management medication in 2025, now available in multi-dose KwikPen. February 23, 2026. Accessed February 24, 2026. https://investor.lilly.com/news-releases/news-release-details/zepbound-tirzepatide-most-prescribed-weight-management