Equinox joins the club to support GLP-1 members. Is partial cost coverage coming?

GLP Digest: A weekly roundup of the most important news & research related to GLP-1 drugs. We read through hundreds of articles, reports and journals so you can remain up-to-date.

In today’s digest:

1. Equinox Club launches a new program for GLP-1 clients. (Read)

2. Costs of GLP-1 drugs will remain high in 2024, but is partial coverage coming in 2027? (Read)

3. BBB has published a new Scam Alert for Ozempic. (Read)

4. [Premium] New Trials show impact of Semaglutide on Type 2 Diabetes (Read)

5. [Premium] Case Report: Tirzepatide linked to severe allergic reaction, even from patients previously taking Semaglutide. (Read)

1. Equinox Fitness Club Launches New Program for Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro Clients

Not long after Weight Watchers launched its own coaching program for clients on GLP-1 medications, Equinox luxury fitness club is also launching a personalized training program specifically tailored for members using drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro.

The program is designed to counteract side effects like muscle mass loss, offering a combination of aerobic, anaerobic conditioning, and strength training. Moreover, it aims to educate clients about maintaining weight loss and establishing healthy habits for life after discontinuing the medication.

Biohaven also is working on a GLP-1 drug linked to retaining muscle mass during treatments.

Read the full story here.

2. Cost of Weight Loss Drugs To Remain a Challenge in 2024. Partial Coverage Coming by 2027?

In 2024, millions of individuals seeking weight-loss drugs may face challenges as employers and insurers cut back on coverage due to the high costs. Despite growing pressure on health plans to pay for these anti-obesity treatments, only 41% of companies cover GLP-1 agonists for obesity, with many limiting access due to budget constraints.

Even though Medicare could significantly expand coverage, legislative changes are required, and analysts predict no partial coverage until at least 2027. The high prices of these drugs, often around $1,000 per month, are a major barrier.

Could increased competition help? The introduction of cheaper oral versions could eventually lower prices and improve access. Pharma companies are also highlighting broader health benefits of these drugs to persuade insurers and employers of their long-term value.

Read the full story here.

3. BBB Warns of Rising Ozempic Scams, Tips on Protecting Consumers

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued a scam alert regarding Ozempic, a drug for Type 2 diabetes that's gained popularity for weight loss. Scammers exploit high demand by creating fake websites offering Ozempic at reduced prices, often without requiring a prescription.

Victims report paying via digital wallets but never receiving the drug, facing non-responsive customer service, and additional charges under false pretenses. The BBB advises against purchasing prescription drugs from foreign or unverified sources and recommends sticking to reputable pharmacies and avoiding payment through digital wallets to avoid such scams.

Read the Scam Alert here.

4. Premium: New Trials Show Impact of Semaglutide on Type 2 Diabetes: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

In a new study published in PubMed, Semaglutide has been shown to significantly lower systolic blood pressure in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

The comprehensive review and meta-analysis of 29 randomized controlled trials showed that semaglutide not only decreased systolic blood pressure but also reduced glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and body weight, although it did not significantly impact diastolic blood pressure.

This finding is crucial given that hypertension is common among T2D patients, emphasizing the need for effective blood pressure management in this population. The study, led by Jia Cui from Chun’an First People’s Hospital, highlights the potential of semaglutide in T2D treatment, especially considering the limited research focusing on blood pressure as a primary outcome of semaglutide use.

Read the full study here.

5. Premium: Tirzepatide Linked to Severe Allergic Reaction: Case Report

A recent case report has revealed a severe allergic reaction to tirzepatide, the newly FDA-approved drug for type 2 diabetes marketed as Mounjaro. The patient, a 67-year-old woman with a history of type 2 diabetes, experienced an immediate and severe allergic reaction, characterized by widespread itching and a generalized urticarial rash, just minutes after her first dose of tirzepatide.

The case becomes particularly intriguing as the patient had previously been on semaglutide without any adverse reactions. This raises questions about the specificity of hypersensitivity reactions to different drugs within the same class. Following the onset of symptoms, the patient effectively treated herself with antihistamines, and there were no further complications upon discontinuing tirzepatide.

Our Take:

The case of hypersensitivity to tirzepatide, despite prior tolerance to semaglutide, is a critical reminder for healthcare providers about the complexities and individual responses to GLP-1 receptor agonists. This incident challenges the notion that different drugs within the GLP-1 class can be considered interchangeable, even in the face of supply shortages or insurance constraints.

Read the full Case Report here.

Received this newsletter from a friend? Subscribe here.