WeightWatchers Adds Compounded GLP-1, Expanding Accessibility and Affordability of Weight Loss Medications
08 Oktober 2024 - 3:00PM
WeightWatchers (NASDAQ: WW) (“WeightWatchers,”
“WW,” or the “Company”) announced today the addition of
compounded semaglutide into its offering,
broadening eligible members’ access to clinical weight management
interventions that are underpinned by the comprehensive,
science-backed, behavioral and lifestyle support that has helped
millions of people reach and sustain their weight goals.
“At WeightWatchers, we have always combined proven science and
personalized support to help our members achieve meaningful,
lasting results. With the addition of compounded semaglutide, we
are expanding our offering to include a clinical weight management
solution that is both accessible and affordable,” said Tara
Comonte, Interim CEO of WeightWatchers. “This launch is
the culmination of extensive research and rigorous work by our team
to ensure that we are offering the highest quality care —
reaffirming the trust we’ve built over six decades as the leader in
weight management.”
Shortages of GLP-1 medications have plagued the market for more
than two years, with patients often unable to find name-brand
medications in stock at their local pharmacies. Over the past year,
WeightWatchers has called local pharmacies across the country on
behalf of members to conduct almost 3 million stock checks
for GLP-1 medications and found them in stock just
4.5% of the time. These shortages can result in delays or
interruptions of treatment, which negatively impact health outcomes
for patients.
“Given the ongoing shortages of branded medications such as
Ozempic and Wegovy, WeightWatchers is committed to ensuring our
members still have access to effective alternatives and the support
they need to achieve the health outcomes they deserve,”
continued Comonte.
Over the last six months, roughly 45% of
WeightWatchers Clinic members eligible for and prescribed a GLP-1
by their clinician have been denied coverage by their insurance
after three prior authorization requests.1 Less than 40% of
insurers cover GLP-1 medications for weight loss, leaving
many individuals living with obesity without crucial financial
support, and for those with coverage, more than
half say their GLP-1 is still difficult to afford2.
“We know that compounded semaglutide can be an important option
for those seeking weight loss support, given its greater
availability and affordability,” said Dr. Jamil Alkhaddo,
Medical Director of WeightWatchers. “In fact, over
50% of current WeightWatchers members have expressed
consideration of a compounded GLP-1 for their journey.3 That’s why,
after months of thorough research, and careful evaluation of
multiple facilities, we partnered with a trusted, FDA-registered
503B facility that meets our high standards for quality and patient
care — so our eligible members can feel confident in this new
option as a trusted part of their weight loss plan.”
For drugs that appear on the FDA drug shortages list, the FDA
allows compounding pharmacies to create compounded medications that
are identical to, or nearly identical to,4 the drug in shortage.
WeightWatchers undertook an extensive and robust diligence process
to select an FDA-registered 503B facility. A 503B must adhere to
Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) regulations, which are
the same manufacturing standards enforced by the FDA for all
manufacturing facilities involved in the production of FDA-approved
drugs. Every batch of the finished product from a 503B facility is
tested for sterility and potency, among other things, before
release. For more information about WeightWatchers’ Compounded
GLP-1 medication offering and due diligence process, the
Company has published a comprehensive Transparency Report which can
be found at
ww.com/compounded-glp1-safety.
“Patient safety and education are our top priorities, which is
why anyone prescribed a compounded GLP-1, receives step-by-step
guidance on how to use the medication safely, including access to
one-on-one support from a trained clinician via a telehealth
appointment,” said Dr. Alkhaddo. “Beyond offering
this new clinical solution, we’re committed to delivering the
personalized high-touch support that our members expect throughout
their journey. Each member has access to a full care team — from
insurance coordinators and registered dietitians to fitness coaches
and board-certified clinicians.”
WeightWatchers Clinic members also receive behavioral and
lifestyle support included in their subscription, which means they
can access all of WeightWatchers’ programs, including the GLP-1
Program, WeightWatchers’ #1 doctor-recommended Points® Program, and
WeightWatchers’ Diabetes Program. This wraparound support, which
includes Workshops and a built-in community is crucial to
delivering best-in-class health outcomes. WeightWatchers members
who take a GLP-1 medication in conjunction with the behavioral
Points® Program lose 11% more weight than those
taking weight-loss medications alone5.
WeightWatchers clinicians have the option to prescribe
compounded semaglutide, if determined that the use of a GLP-1
weight-loss medication is appropriate for a patient. Eligible
members can either use their insurance for brand-name medications
or choose to self-pay for brand-name medications or compounded
semaglutide. Only patients meeting clinical eligibility
requirements will be prescribed a compounded GLP-1; the clinical
eligibility requirements for compounded GLP-1s are the same as for
brand-name medications. If prescribed, WeightWatchers members
receive their compounded semaglutide within 1-3 business days. They
can also request a Certificate of Analysis (COA) for their
medication, which provides transparency as to how medications were
tested and quality standards in place throughout the process.
WeightWatchers continues to deliver a holistic care model of
high-touch, accessible clinical solutions in combination with its
comprehensive, science-backed behavioral programs, providing
members with all of the tools and resources they need to reach and
sustain their weight health goals.
About WW International, Inc.WeightWatchers is a
human-centric technology company powered by our proven,
science-based, clinically effective weight loss and weight
management programs. For six decades, we have inspired millions of
people to adopt healthy habits for real life. We combine technology
and community to help members reach and sustain their goals on our
programs. To learn more about the WeightWatchers approach to
healthy living, please visit ww.com. For more information about our
global business, visit our corporate website at
corporate.ww.com.
1 Source: WeightWatchers internal data over a six month period.
April - September 2024.2 International Foundation of Employee
Benefit Plans: GLP-1 Drugs: 2024 Pulse Survey Report U.S. Data3
Source: WeightWatchers Spectrum Target Audience Study. Partnered
with BSG. August 2024.4 A compounded drug is “identical or nearly
identical” if it and the FDA-approved drug have the same active
ingredient(s), route of administration, dosage form, dosage
strength, and excipients.5 Based on an analysis of virtual clinic
member data at 4 weeks of membership comparing those who initiate
WW’s behavior change program and those who don’t. This persisted
with use of first and second generation FDA-approved anti-obesity
medications. Compounded medications were not included in the
analysis. Completed in Jan 2024
For more information, contact:
Media:
Kelsey Merkel
Communications@ww.com
Investors:
John Mills or Anna Kate Heller
WeightWatchers@icrinc.com
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