On Wednesday, health-care marketplace Sesame announced a new clinical weight loss program that offers eligible consumers access to compounded versions of Novo Nordisk’s popular obesity drug, Wegovy, for $249 per month. Sesame, which allows patients to book and pay for medical appointments directly through its platform, aims to provide a more affordable alternative to branded medications by offering compounded semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy and Novo Nordisk’s diabetes drug Ozempic.
This initiative comes at a time when many branded obesity and diabetes medications are in short supply. Sesame’s platform already provides access to these branded drugs, including through a partnership with Costco. However, the new program could serve as a cost-effective option, as compounded medications typically cost less than their branded counterparts. Wegovy and Ozempic, for example, are priced at approximately $1,000 per month before insurance.
Michael Botta, President and Co-Founder of Sesame, explained the rationale behind the program, stating, “Given the drug supply shortage, we are making a version of compounded semaglutide available at a very accessible price point, likely the most affordable on an apples-to-apples basis.”
Wegovy and Ozempic belong to a class of medications known as GLP-1s, which mimic gut hormones to reduce appetite and regulate blood sugar. These treatments have surged in popularity, with some analysts predicting the industry could exceed $100 billion in annual revenue by 2030. However, supply shortages remain a significant challenge for manufacturers like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly.
To ensure the safety and quality of its offerings, Sesame partnered with a 503B compounding pharmacy that meets rigorous standards. The pharmacy will provide prefilled, single-use syringes to minimize the risk of dosing errors, such as overdosing due to improper self-administration.
Patients interested in Sesame’s new program must complete an intake form, consult with a healthcare provider via video, and undergo lab work to receive a prescription. The program also includes ongoing consultations and access to a comprehensive content library focused on nutrition, fitness, and mindfulness, which will be available within two weeks of the program’s launch.
“There are millions of Americans struggling with obesity and its related health issues,” Botta said. “Connecting patients to treatments despite the supply shortage is something we believe is essential.”
Read More: Click Here
