Noom to Launch New Weight Loss Program with Compounded GLP-1 Drug

• Noom announced on Thursday that it is providing users with access to compounded semaglutide as part of a new weight loss product, starting at $149.
• The company aims to provide patients with a cheaper alternative to its branded GLP-1s through its platform.
• Noom's new offering supports patients who choose to taper off medication.

Noom, a digital health company, announced on Thursday that it will include a compounded GLP-1 drug in its new weight loss product, priced at $149.

Noom has been offering weight loss programs for years and now provides access to branded medications containing compounded semaglutide, the same active ingredient in Novo Nordisk's blockbuster obesity and diabetes drugs Wegovy and Ozempic.

In recent months, Noom and Sesame have joined the ranks of digital health companies offering compounded versions of weight loss and diabetes medications as a more affordable option for consumers. This has increased competition in the market for low-cost alternatives.

Geoff Cook, CEO of Noom, stated in an interview with CNBC that the company's stance is that more supply, at a reasonable price, is required immediately, rather than less.

GLP-1 medications, such as Wegovy and Ozempic, are widely used to reduce appetite and manage blood sugar levels. Compounded versions of these drugs are made as alternatives to branded medications when they are in short supply.

Branded GLP-1 medications are usually more expensive than their compounded counterparts. Wegovy and Ozempic both cost around $1,000 per month without insurance. Although most insurance plans cover GLP-1s for diabetes treatment, coverage for weight loss drugs is less common. Additionally, increased demand can make it challenging for many patients to obtain the branded treatments.

Noom's program will cost consumers $149 for their first month and $279 for subsequent months as their medication dosage increases, according to Cook.

The FDA does not evaluate the safety and effectiveness of compounded products, but it inspects some outsourcing facilities that compound drugs, as stated on its website.

Noom is collaborating with an FDA-approved 503B compounding pharmacy to offer its medication for its new program, Noom GLP-1 RX.

"Dr. Adonis Saremi, chief medical officer of Noom, stated in an interview with CNBC that the drug manufacturer they work with produces 20 generic medications, including epinephrine, a critical medication used in hospitals nationwide. He expressed confidence and satisfaction with their vetting process."

The company has introduced a method for participants to gradually reduce the compounded treatment if they choose to stop taking it. GLP-1s are designed for long-term use, which means some patients may continue taking them indefinitely.

Noom has observed both anecdotal and real-world evidence that patients can sustain weight loss even after discontinuing medication, according to Cook. Six out of seven patients have stopped taking GLP-1s by the two-year mark, he added.

""The doctor prescribes medication, which leads to weight loss, but life happens and the person eventually stops taking it or their insurance stops covering it, leading them to change jobs," Cook said."

Noom or substantial medication discounts will be provided by the company to those who regain weight within 18 months after following its program for a year, according to a release.

The Noom GLP-1 RX program can be started by consumers by filling out an intake form on the website. Noom stated that one of its obesity-trained doctors will review the form and determine if the compounded medication is suitable for the patient. If it is, the medication will be delivered to their door within a week, according to Noom.

Noom announced that participants will receive one-on-one coaching with a chat feature and access to psychology-based programming and tools to prevent muscle loss, including features for tracking protein intake and engaging in resistance training.

If users decide they are ready to stop taking medication, they can speak with their clinician or select "taper" in their settings, Noom stated.

"Cook stated that many people do not want to be on medication for the rest of their lives and that this is not a common occurrence in reality. The objective is not to increase medication sales, but rather to achieve long-term weight loss outcomes."