The Cost Challenge: Why Providers Need to Know About Zelsuvmi Savings

Zelsuvmi (berdazimer topical gel, 10.3%) represents a meaningful clinical advance — the first FDA-approved at-home topical treatment for molluscum contagiosum. But at a cash price of $1,910 to $2,350 per kit, cost is a real barrier for many patients and families.

As a prescriber, you're in a unique position to help. Patients often don't know that savings programs exist, and the difference between a patient who fills their prescription and one who abandons it at the pharmacy counter often comes down to whether someone told them about their options.

This guide covers every savings avenue available for Zelsuvmi in 2026 — so you can counsel patients effectively and keep them on therapy.

Understanding Zelsuvmi Pricing

Before diving into savings programs, here's the pricing landscape:

• Cash price: $1,910–$2,350 per kit (31g total — 14g Tube A + 17g Tube B)
• No generic available — berdazimer is under patent protection
• Treatment duration: Once daily for up to 12 weeks; patients may need 1-3 kits depending on the number and persistence of lesions

Without assistance, this cost is prohibitive for most patients. Fortunately, Pelthos Therapeutics (the manufacturer) has invested heavily in access and affordability programs.

1. ZelsuvmiGO Copay Assistance Program

This is the primary savings vehicle for commercially insured patients.

Program Details

• Eligible patients: Those with commercial (private) health insurance that covers Zelsuvmi
• Savings: Eligible patients may pay as little as $0 per fill
• Enrollment: Online at zelsuvmi.com/copay or by calling (888) 215-8372
• How it works: The copay card covers the difference between the patient's copay/coinsurance and $0. Works like a secondary payer at the pharmacy.

Who Is NOT Eligible

• Patients on Medicare (Part D or Medicare Advantage)
• Patients on Medicaid
• TRICARE beneficiaries
• VA healthcare beneficiaries
• Patients on state prescription drug assistance programs

What You Can Do

• Mention the copay program at the time of prescribing — don't assume the pharmacy will bring it up
• Have your staff help patients enroll before they leave the office
• Include a note in the patient's chart that they've been counseled on copay assistance

2. ZelsuvmiGO Patient Assistance Program (PAP)

For patients who don't have insurance coverage for Zelsuvmi — or who have no insurance at all.

Program Details

• Eligible patients: Uninsured patients or those whose insurance doesn't cover Zelsuvmi
• Enrollment: Call (888) 309-0186 for enrollment assistance
• How it works: Pelthos Therapeutics may provide Zelsuvmi at reduced cost or no cost to qualifying patients

What You Can Do

• Screen patients for insurance coverage early in the prescribing process
• If insurance denies coverage, refer patients to the PAP before they give up
• Provide the PAP phone number on printed materials or after-visit summaries

3. Navigating Insurance Coverage

Insurance coverage for Zelsuvmi has improved significantly since launch. A major PBM agreement in December 2025 expanded formulary access to approximately 20 million covered lives. But coverage isn't universal, and prior authorization (PA) is commonly required.

Common Insurance Requirements

• Prior authorization: Most plans require PA. Documentation typically includes confirmed diagnosis of molluscum contagiosum, number of lesions, duration of condition, and any prior treatments attempted.
• Dermatologist referral: Some plans require a dermatology consult or prescription from a dermatologist specifically
• Step therapy: A minority of plans may require documentation that lesions haven't self-resolved within a specified timeframe (often 12 months)

Tips for Prior Authorization Success

• Document thoroughly: Include diagnosis, number of lesions, body areas affected, duration, impact on quality of life (especially for pediatric patients), and any prior treatments
• Emphasize clinical need: Note risk of spread, autoinoculation, social/psychological impact on the child, and failure of watchful waiting
• Reference FDA approval: Zelsuvmi is the only FDA-approved at-home topical treatment for MC — this strengthens the medical necessity argument
• Appeal denials: Initial denials are common. Peer-to-peer reviews often result in approvals when clinical rationale is clearly presented
• Use the ZelsuvmiGO support team: Pelthos has dedicated staff to help practices navigate PA processes. Call (888) 215-8372.

4. Specialty Pharmacy Options

Zelsuvmi distribution channels include:

• Retail pharmacies: Available at chains like Walgreens
• Amazon Pharmacy: Home delivery option
• ASPN Pharmacy Services: Specialty pharmacy affiliated with the manufacturer's distribution network

If a patient's local pharmacy doesn't stock Zelsuvmi, directing them to one of these channels can prevent delays. Specialty pharmacies in particular often have dedicated teams to help with insurance verification and copay assistance enrollment.

For more on pharmacy availability, see our patient guide on checking pharmacy stock.

5. Counseling Patients on Cost: A Framework

Here's a practical workflow for addressing cost at the point of prescribing:

1. Prescribe Zelsuvmi based on clinical judgment
2. Ask about insurance: "Do you have prescription drug coverage?"
3. If commercially insured: Enroll in ZelsuvmiGO copay program → potential $0 copay
4. If uninsured or no drug coverage: Refer to ZelsuvmiGO PAP at (888) 309-0186
5. If Medicare/Medicaid: Discuss alternative treatments, as copay cards cannot be used. Consider Ycanth (in-office), cryotherapy, or curettage. Review our provider update for more on treatment options.
6. Submit prior authorization proactively — don't wait for the pharmacy to flag it
7. Follow up: Check that the patient successfully filled the prescription

6. Addressing Common Patient Concerns About Cost

Patients may express cost concerns even before you prescribe. Here are responses that keep the conversation productive:

"I heard Zelsuvmi is really expensive."

"The list price is high, but most patients with commercial insurance pay $0 out of pocket through the manufacturer's copay program. Let's check your coverage."

"My insurance denied it."

"That's common on the first try. We can appeal the decision — and often get it approved. We can also connect you with the manufacturer's support team to help."

"I don't have insurance."

"The manufacturer has a patient assistance program specifically for patients in your situation. Let me give you the number."

"Is there a generic?"

"Not yet — Zelsuvmi is still under patent. But the savings programs can bring your cost down to $0 if you have commercial insurance, or significantly reduced cost through patient assistance."

7. Resources for Your Practice

• ZelsuvmiGO copay enrollment: zelsuvmi.com/copay or (888) 215-8372
• ZelsuvmiGO patient assistance: (888) 309-0186
• Prescribing information: zelsuvmi.com
• MedFinder for providers: medfinder.com/providers — help patients locate pharmacies with Zelsuvmi in stock

Consider creating a one-page handout with savings program information and phone numbers that your front desk or medical assistants can give to every patient who receives a Zelsuvmi prescription.

8. Cross-References for Patient Education

Point your patients to these resources to support their treatment journey:

• What Is Zelsuvmi? Uses, dosage, and what patients need to know
• Side effects: What to expect and when to call
• Patient savings guide
• How to find Zelsuvmi in stock

The Bottom Line

Zelsuvmi's price tag can be a conversation-stopper if patients don't know about their options. As a provider, proactively addressing cost — and connecting patients with copay assistance, patient assistance programs, and insurance support — dramatically increases the likelihood that your patients will actually fill and complete their prescriptions.

The programs exist. The coverage is expanding. The key is making sure the information reaches patients before they walk away from the pharmacy counter.

Visit medfinder.com/providers for tools to help your patients find Zelsuvmi in stock and access the care they need.