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Reuters
5 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
Noom launches low dose of compounded weight-loss drug for $119
NEW YORK, Aug 4 (Reuters) - Online weight-loss company Noom said on Monday it would sell copies of Novo Nordisk's ( opens new tab Wegovy at an introductory price of $119 for up to a quarter of the branded drug's standard dose, giving patients a less costly way to try the medication. After the first month, Noom's price for compounded semaglutide, the generic name for Wegovy, rises to $199 a month for a maximum 0.6-milligram dose, compared to the branded version's typical dose of 2.4 mg. The move presents more price pressure for brand-name manufacturers, who have been lowering prices to compete in the cash-pay market. Targeting the GLP-1 protein, weight-loss drugs slow digestion and make people feel fuller but often lead to gastrointestinal side effects. In clinical trials, they have resulted in people losing 15% to 20% of their body weight. Wegovy clinical trials did not evaluate doses as low as 0.6 mg. But research presented in May found a half dose of semaglutide was as effective in weight loss as the regular dose. Noom said its program's lower dose allows it to make the product more affordable and boosts adherence because smaller doses can mean fewer side effects. "Obviously with less medicine, there's less cost and we pass it on as savings to the patient," said Noom CEO Geoff Cook. While few people pay Wegovy's list price of about $1,349 a month in the U.S., Novo offers a direct-to-consumer cash price of $499 a month for all doses up to 2.4 mg. This month it promoted a first-fill price of $299 for some customers. On a unit basis, Noom's $199 for 0.6 mg is more expensive than the Novo program, although the Novo price stays the same at all doses so the unit cost rises at smaller doses. Noom is continuing its program called GLP-1Rx that offers compounded versions of semaglutide at a maximum dose of 1.2 mg for $149 the first month and $279 afterward. The company also offers Eli Lilly's (LLY.N), opens new tab Zepbound for $349 from Lilly Direct and generic liraglutide, an older GLP-1 that is not as effective. Online telehealth site Hims and Hers Health's (HIMS.N), opens new tab, Noom's biggest rival, offers a one-year prepaid program for $199 a month for a "personalized" dose of compounded semaglutide. Amid surging demand since 2022, a shortage of Zepbound and Wegovy prompted the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to allow compounding pharmacies to sell copies, boosting Noom, Hims and LifeMD (LFMD.O), opens new tab. After the shortage ended by early this year, the FDA told compounding pharmacies to end mass sales. But companies have continued to compound semaglutide, saying it is legal for treating patient needs that are not met by branded versions. Jeffrey Egler, Noom's chief medical officer, said patients who want to address pre-diabetic high blood sugar or reap other benefits would also be candidates for the program. "It's more, 'I want to reduce this chronic inflammation. I want to feel better today,'" said Cook, who said he has taken a low dose of semaglutide since October.
Time of India
30-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Trump administration launches health data-sharing initiative; Google, Amazon among tech partners, CMS promises security
Representative image credits: AP The Trump administration announced Wednesday a sweeping program allowing Americans to share personal health data and medical records across private tech platforms and health systems. The initiative, backed by more than 60 companies—including Google, Amazon, Apple, UnitedHealth Group, and CVS Health—aims to improve access to patient records and help manage chronic conditions such as diabetes and obesity. It will also feature conversational artificial intelligence for patient support and digital tools like QR codes and medication-tracking apps. During a White House event with industry leaders, President Trump said, as quoted by AP, 'For decades America's health care networks have been overdue for a high tech upgrade… With today's announcement, we take a major step to bring health care into the digital age.' He emphasised that the new system will address slow, costly, and incompatible current health record systems. Noom, a popular weight-loss and fitness subscription service, is among the companies participating. CEO Geoff Cook explained the system will allow the app to access labs or medical tests from other providers, feeding an AI-driven analysis that could support personalized weight-management plans. He said, 'Right now you have a lot of siloed data.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Always Put a Plastic Bottle on Your Tires when Parked, Here's Why Cleverst Undo CMS opt-in system promises convenience- but raises privacy concerns The centers for medicare and medicaid services (CMS), the agency in charge of managing the program, said patient participation is voluntary. Users must opt in to share their data, which CMS said will be kept secure. However, the initiative has drawn criticism from privacy experts. Georgetown law professor Lawrence Gostin warned, 'There are enormous ethical and legal concerns… Patients across America should be very worried that their medical records are going to be used in ways that harm them and their families.' Hospitals also see promise in the program. Cleveland Clinic CEO Dr Tomislav Mihaljevic said it will enable doctors to view complete patient histories, improving diagnosis and treatment plans. He added that continuous data from apps, tracking diet and exercise habits, offers insight into a patient's health outside of the clinic setting: 'These apps give us insight about what's happening with the patient's health outside of the physician's office. ' Despite these benefits, digital privacy advocates remain worried. Jeffrey Chester of the center for digital democracy criticised the lack of government oversight in health technology, calling the system 'an open door for the further use and monetization of sensitive and personal health information.' CMS already holds data on over 140 million Americans. Earlier this month, the agency agreed to share its database, including home addresses, with deportation officials- raising alarms about further expansion of federal access to personal data.
Glasgow Times
15-06-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Toolstation to host spring and summer roadshow in Glasgow
Toolstation's 2025 Spring and Summer Supplier Roadshow will take place at the retailer's Glasgow Parkhead branch on Tuesday, June 17. It will feature leading trade brands including DeWalt, Bosch, Tourpet, CT1, Forgefix, and Luceco. Geoff Cook, trade business partner at Toolstation, said: "With an already busy schedule in place, it can be challenging for our customers to stay up to date on the latest developments and trends in the industry. "By gathering leading trade brands in one place and bringing their expertise across the country, we hope to provide our customers with new information, top tips, and advice required to get the job done right this spring and summer. "We look forward to welcoming local trade communities into our stores throughout this period, including those at Glasgow." Read more: 'Tremendous honour': Glasgow firm celebrates double win at awards ceremony The roadshow provides tradespeople a chance to discover new and upcoming products, watch live demonstrations, try products firsthand, and receive advice from supplier experts. Brands will be giving away free goody bags, offering exclusive on-the-day deals, and running competitions. The retailer has also partnered with Fix Radio for the event, which will be offering free Greggs breakfasts to attendees along with additional giveaways, competitions, and games. Those in attendance will also receive a 10% in-store discount on all purchases of £75 or more during the event. Additional exhibitors at the Glasgow event include delivery app TradeKart and technology company SumUp. Toolstation's partnership with TradeKart allows customers to order from a selection of more than 10,000 products for delivery in as little as one hour. Read more: Glasgow business founder shortlisted for 'Grammys of entrepreneurship' SumUp card readers will also be promoted, offering businesses and tradespeople a fast, mobile payment solution. Throughout the roadshow, people will also have a chance to win a prize draw for a tool hamper worth more than £200. The hamper includes products from Stanley, Dulux, Luceco, Bosch, and Milwaukee, and more. To enter, customers simply need to donate to Toolstation's charity partner Macmillan Cancer Support in-store. Toolstation is set to host the roadshow at 60 stores across the UK between April and September, with at least five of 15 participating suppliers will be present at each location.
Axios
21-05-2025
- Business
- Axios
How compounders plan to continue making GLP-1s
Drug compounders and telemedicine companies may be ready to defy a Food and Drug Administration ban on copycat GLP-1 weight-loss drugs that takes effect on Thursday, arguing the law still allows customized versions tailored to patients' needs. Why it matters: It would be the latest chapter in a battle with brand-name GLP-1 giants Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly as millions try to get their hands on versions of the blockbuster drugs. Driving the news: Noom, a digital health company that prescribes compound semaglutide, the active ingredient in some of Novo's GLP-1s, said it will continue to offer compounded versions of the drug beyond the May 22 enforcement deadline. "The compounding law is clear," said CEO Geoff Cook. "There must be an individual patient benefit to the personalization. And so Noom works with [compounding] pharmacies to provide personalized medication when it's clinically indicated." When prescribing a compounded GLP-1, Noom has been following a "low and slow" approach to titrating up dosages in patients in a way that is not available in commercial versions of GLP-1s. Noom said it also prescribes brand name versions of GLP-1 products in a partnership announced earlier this year with Lilly Direct, as well as prescribing non-GLP-1 alternatives. "I think we are looking to be on very firm ground on when it's clinically indicated," Cook said. Yes, but: Pharma companies will likely challenge that interpretation. "Compounders should have already transitioned patients to approved medicine, and anyone continuing to sell mass compounded tirzepatide, including by referring to it as 'personalized,' 'tailored' or something similar, is breaking the law and putting patients at risk," Eli Lilly said in a statement to Axios. Catch up quick: The FDA allowed compounders to make cheaper copies of the drugs while they were in shortage. When the agency declared Novo and Lilly's drugs were in sufficient supply earlier this year, compounders were put on notice that most versions of GLP-1s copies would not longer be allowed. The compounding labs filed a challenge to put tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Lilly's GLP-1s, back in shortage. Earlier this month, a judge ruled against them. The FDA also allows compounding for prescriptions specific to particular patients.
The Herald
11-05-2025
- Business
- The Herald
Wellness companies eager to avoid WeightWatchers' fate embrace weight-loss drugs
WeightWatchers, when it filed for bankruptcy, said its weight management system stopped being attractive to customers given changing views about weight versus wellness, competition from telehealth companies fully embracing the weight-loss drugs, and even fitness influencers on TikTok. The company has an agreement with creditors to restructure its debt and quickly exit the court process. Adam McBride, CEO of telehealth company Eden, said WeightWatchers, which tried to pivot to telehealth and sell weight-loss drugs, had an old school system that relied on points and in-person gatherings that customers didn't like. 'I don't think that they were listening to their members,' McBride said. Eden and rival Noom both operate weight-focused telehealth platforms with integrated lifestyle coaching — something WeightWatchers struggled with. The newer companies have been selling unbranded versions of the in-demand weight-loss medications as part of their offerings. Clinical subscriptions that provide access to clinicians and prescription drugs make up over half of Noom's revenue, said CEO Geoff Cook. At rival Hims and Hers, compounded weight-loss drugs accounted for 20% of revenue last year, and even WeightWatchers relied partly on such revenue. Noom presents the drugs as a kind of superpower weight-loss tool, which the company said then drives customers to other parts of its platform. 'In the last month or two, people who are taking the meds are actually logging more meals,' said Noom's CEO. 'They're weighing in more and they're engaging in the other aspects of the Noom programme at a rate that's even better than the flagship programme.' Weight-loss drug bandwagon Other health companies see room for products and services that take advantage of the popularity of new weight-loss drugs, which some analysts forecast will have annual sales of $150bn in the next decade. Health retailer The Vitamin Shoppe has seen a spike in demand for supplements that could help with loss of appetite, decreasing muscle tone, and other GLP-1 side effects, said president Muriel Gonzalez. Sales of a set of supplements marketed to people taking such drugs jumped more than 20% from a year ago, a company spokesperson said. Last year, The Vitamin Shoppe launched a telehealth service, Whole Health Rx, that connects consumers with medical providers who can prescribe weight-loss drugs and recommend supplements to give people protein, fibre and multivitamins while on them. Other companies have made similar moves. Supplement-seller GNC, looking to capitalise on the trend, last year added a section in stores dedicated to GLP-1 users, selling protein powder and fibre. WeightWatchers itself is still trying to pivot. A spokesperson said in a statement that the GLP-1 drugs for weight loss are a growing and essential part of its business. It said its programme works, citing an internal study in which its clinic patients taking GLP-1 drugs lost 21% of their weight and then transitioned to its behavioural programme and lost another 2% after 13 weeks. But easy sales of cheaper versions of the drugs are ending, even as lawsuits remain. The US Food and Drug Administration is blocking sales of cheaper compounded versions of the drugs now that Wegovy and Zepbound and their related diabetes medicines — Ozempic and Mounjaro — are no longer in shortage. Selling cheaper versions of the drugs has been a huge profit driver for these companies, and the loss is an issue, said Morningstar healthcare analyst Karen Andersen. One path forward for wellness companies is to work with brand name drugmakers, Andersen said. 'Companies like Novo, they need partners that have access to patients,' she said. But finding creative ways to partner with key competitors is no small task, she added. 'It will be a rocky path.' Reuters
