VIVUS and UpScriptHealth Launch ChooseQ.online for Advanced Weight Management

VIVUS LLC, a biopharmaceutical company based in Campbell, California, has announced a new collaboration with UpScriptHealth, a leading telemedicine company. Together, they have launched ChooseQ.online, an innovative online telemedicine platform aimed at providing patients with easier access to QSYMIA®, a highly-regarded medication for chronic weight management. This initiative marks a significant advancement in making QSYMIA more accessible to patients in need.

QSYMIA, which consists of phentermine and topiramate extended-release capsules, is currently the leading non-injectable branded weight loss medication for adults in the United States. The FDA has approved it for use alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity to manage weight in both adults and certain children aged 12 and above. The new collaboration allows patients to acquire QSYMIA through UpScriptHealth’s advanced Telehealth Platform, ensuring they can access the medication conveniently.

“The launch of ChooseQ.online is a major step forward in our mission to improve patient care and accessibility,” said John Amos, CEO of VIVUS. “With UpScriptHealth’s telehealth expertise, patients can now easily obtain medications like QSYMIA and consult with a physician from anywhere. This ensures that quality healthcare is always accessible.” This sentiment underscores the importance of the new platform in enhancing the convenience and quality of healthcare delivery.

ChooseQ.online offers several key features to enhance patient experience:

1. High-quality healthcare access and direct communication with healthcare providers.
2. Convenient medication delivery through either a mail-order pharmacy or retail pharmacy.
3. Assistance with managing insurance coverage and benefits through UpScriptHealth’s support services.

Peter Ax, CEO and founder of UpScriptHealth, praised the partnership, stating, “This collaboration with VIVUS signifies a major milestone in our commitment to healthcare innovation. Together, we are setting new standards in telehealth, providing patients nationwide with a convenient, efficient, and personalized approach to weight management and health.”

UpScriptHealth brings over two decades of experience in telemedicine, having served more than a million patients across all 50 states. The company excels in creating effective web-based campaigns for pharmaceutical companies and offers comprehensive services, including virtual prescribing and long-term adherence support. This makes it a natural partner for VIVUS in expanding the reach and impact of QSYMIA.

Dr. Santosh T. Varghese, President VIVUS Global Pharmaceutical Development and Chief Medical Officer at VIVUS LLC, emphasized the importance of the collaboration, saying, “Our work with UpScriptHealth ensures patients receive the highest standard of care at a convenient time and place. Combined with our recent labeling update, this initiative broadens access to QSYMIA and empowers patients to take charge of their treatment plans, leading to better long-term health outcomes.”

Recent changes to QSYMIA’s labeling have removed certain requirements and warnings related to body mass index (BMI), heart rate increases, risk of hypoglycemia in diabetic patients, and risk of hypotension in those taking antihypertensive medication. These updates aim to make the medication more accessible and safe for a broader range of patients.

The global impact of obesity is profound, with projections indicating that one billion people will be affected by 2030, nearly double the number in 2020. Obesity significantly increases the risk of conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, which in turn heightens the risk of cardiovascular diseases and mortality. Effective weight management, supported by medications like QSYMIA, is crucial in mitigating these risks.

Approved by the FDA in 2012 for chronic weight management, QSYMIA is taken once daily and is covered by the majority of commercial healthcare plans. It helps manage hunger and reduce cravings, facilitating weight loss and maintenance when combined with a healthy diet and exercise.

This collaboration between VIVUS and UpScriptHealth represents a significant advancement in the field of telehealth and weight management, offering an effective and convenient solution for patients across the United States.