The skinny on GLP-1s: What we’ve learned and what we’re expecting

Prime Therapeutics (Prime) is excited to introduce Pharmacy Lens, a new monthly showcase of timely pharmacy topics, including drug and pipeline info, cost-saving strategies, holistic condition management, industry-leading innovations and more.

Through our Save, Simplify, Support™ approach, we make medication more affordable, deliver an easy, transparent experience and help people achieve better health.

So, let's kick off this first newsletter with a topic that’s on everyone’s minds right now: GLP-1s.

Latest GLP-1 research shows higher Year-2 cost of care

Prime’s GLP-1 research demonstrates that Year-2 cost of care is $4,206 higher for patients with obesity and shows no reduction in medical events over the course of treatment. These findings are part of Prime’s ongoing GLP-1 research, including our most recent study,  which showed 85% of individuals taking GLP-1 drugs for weight loss no longer took the drug after two years.

In a recent interview, David Lassen, PharmD, vice president, pharmacy clinical services, and Marci Chodroff, M.D., vice president and medical director, took a deeper look, talking about what makes the findings so surprising and how this information might inform our strategy moving forward.

New quarterly GLP-1 drug pipeline update

Our quarterly GLP-1 Pipeline Update provides a thorough clinical snapshot of what’s on the horizon. Given the remarkable and continued growth expected in the GLP-1 pipeline, our clinical experts actively monitor this emerging landscape. The risk-to-benefit profile of these agents and outcomes data are key as we evaluate the evidence. Moreover, holistic care of patients remains a cornerstone of care.

Forecasting increased GLP-1 use for weight loss

We forecast that increasing GLP-1 use for weight loss by just 1% of an insured population would drive more than an additional $10 in costs per member per month (PMPM), totaling 5% of a self-insured employer’s drug spend.

It’s clear that a strong GLP-1 strategy is essential to a successful pharmacy benefits program. Prime’s evidence-based approach to GLP-1 drugs enables our partners to implement custom strategies that promote clinically appropriate use while considering affordability, long-term value and member health outcomes.

Read more about our comprehensive GLP-1 strategy.

Explore more GLP-1 content from Prime Therapeutics:

• Counterfeit GLP-1s: What to watch out for

• Prime continues to lead industry on GLP-1 research

• Real-world analysis of GLP-1a drugs for weight loss finds low adherence and increased cost in first year

• Pharmacy Friends Podcast – The Skinny on GLP-1s: Part 1

• Pharmacy Friends Podcast – The Skinny on GLP-1s: Part 2

• The evolution of GLP-1s

• Weight management: A holistic journey

• KeepWell™ – supporting members with obesity, diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol

• Exclusive: Most patients using weight-loss drugs like Wegovy stop within a year, data show | Reuters

• Exclusive: Most patients stop using Wegovy, Ozempic for weight loss within two years | Reuters

• Weight-loss drugs didn't curb health costs within two years | Reuters

• GLP-1 Drugs For Weight Loss Aren’t Cost-Saving Yet