Noom to offer GLP-1 compound to compete with expensive weight loss meds

In the evolving landscape of digital health, Noom has made a significant move into the weight loss medication market with its latest product, Noom GLP-1Rx. This new service incorporates a compounded GLP-1 drug, launched at an introductory price of $149 for the first month, followed by $279 per month thereafter. Noom claims that this price is significantly lower than the market rates of brand-name medications, which can be up to eight times more expensive.

Noom GLP-1Rx is designed to be used in conjunction with Noom's existing nutrition and exercise programs, which aim to prevent muscle loss among users. An added feature of the new service is the "taper-off guarantee," which provides a protocol for gradually reducing dependence on the medication while maintaining weight loss. The company offers a year of free Noom services or significant medication discounts to users who regain weight within 18 months of completing a 12-month course of Noom GLP-1Rx.

The company already provides access to branded GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Zepbound, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. These medications, which contain the active ingredient semaglutide, are supplied in partnership with a Food and Drug Administration-regulated 503B compounding pharmacy. Noom members are assessed by board-certified physicians specializing in obesity and weight loss to determine their eligibility for the medication. Once approved, medications are delivered to the patients' doors within seven days.

The high cost of branded weight loss medications is a significant concern, with prices for drugs like Wegovy exceeding $1,000 per month without insurance. Noom CEO Geoff Cook highlighted the primary challenges associated with GLP-1 drugs, such as poor persistence and lean muscle mass loss. Cook stated that evidence shows most people do not remain on these medications indefinitely and often regain the lost weight, which can lead to conditions like sarcopenic obesity. Noom aims to provide an affordable solution and an effective exit strategy from these medications to ensure sustainable weight loss for its members.

Noom's entry into the market follows other digital health companies offering lower-cost alternatives to expensive weight loss drugs. Virtual marketplace Sesame has introduced a weight loss program that provides access to compounded semaglutide for $249 per month. Hims & Hers and Ro also have direct-to-consumer weight loss programs that offer compounded semaglutide drugs. Hims & Hers' weight loss medications start at $79 per month for oral kits and $199 per month for compounded GLP-1 injections, including unlimited medical consultations with licensed providers.

The high prices of these medications have drawn scrutiny from federal lawmakers, such as Senator Bernie Sanders. Sanders has pointed out the stark price differences for drugs like Wegovy between the U.S. and other countries, such as Germany and the U.K. Over 250 clinicians have signed a letter to the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, expressing concerns about the lack of patient access to diabetes and weight loss medications due to their high costs.

Noom has also urged policymakers and regulators to address the increased demand for these medications and to maintain compounding exemptions until the prices of brand-name drugs in the U.S. match those in other countries. The company advocates for bipartisan legislation to cap drug prices or extend shortages until brand-name prices decrease, stressing the need for more supply at reasonable prices.

In summary, Noom’s strategic move to offer Noom GLP-1Rx aims to make weight loss medications more affordable and accessible, addressing common issues associated with GLP-1 drugs while providing a structured plan to help users achieve lasting weight loss.