Sesame launches a new $249 monthly program providing access to compounded versions of Wegovy
In response to growing demand and supply shortages of popular weight loss and diabetes medications, healthcare marketplace Sesame has announced a new clinical weight loss program designed to offer eligible consumers compounded versions of Novo Nordisk’s blockbuster drug, Wegovy.
Priced at $249 per month, this program provides a more affordable option for patients, giving them access to treatments that have become increasingly difficult to obtain.
Sesame’s innovative solution to supply shortages
Sesame, a platform known for allowing patients to book and pay for appointments directly with doctors and specialists, is expanding its offerings with compounded semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy and Novo Nordisk’s diabetes medication Ozempic. This addition comes at a critical time when many branded drugs are in short supply, leaving patients struggling to access their prescribed treatments.
The president and co-founder of Sesame Michael Botta, emphasized the importance of providing an affordable solution during these shortages. Botta stated that due to the drug supply shortage, Sesame is offering a version of compounded semaglutide to users at a very accessible price point for American consumers. He noted that Sesame’s offering is likely the most affordable option available, especially when compared to the typical cost of branded medications, which can run around $1,000 per month before insurance.
Wegovy and Ozempic belong to a popular class of medications known as GLP-1s, which have gained immense popularity for their effectiveness in weight loss and blood sugar regulation. These drugs mimic certain gut hormones to reduce appetite and manage blood sugar levels, and they are expected to generate over $100 billion in annual revenue by 2030.
However, the soaring demand has led to significant supply shortages, particularly for Wegovy. Although the FDA’s drug shortage database indicates that the lowest dose of Wegovy is in short supply, other doses of Wegovy and Ozempic remain available. To help alleviate the impact of these shortages, some manufacturers have started offering compounded versions of these medications, provided they meet the stringent requirements set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Compounded medications are custom-made alternatives to branded drugs, tailored to meet specific patient needs, such as allergies or difficulties swallowing pills. Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, compounded drugs can be prescribed and prepared by pharmacies regulated either by the FDA or by state authorities, depending on the type of pharmacy.
Despite the availability of compounded medications, concerns have been raised about their safety and efficacy. Both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, the makers of Wegovy and Ozempic, have taken legal action against entities selling illicit versions of their treatments. The FDA has also issued warnings about overdoses linked to compounded semaglutide due to dosing errors, highlighting the importance of ensuring the quality and accuracy of these alternatives.
Sesame’s commitment to safety and quality
Initially cautious about entering the compounded medication market, Sesame conducted thorough inspections of 503B compounding pharmacies before deciding to partner with a pharmacy that met its rigorous standards. Botta explained that the increasing evidence of the effectiveness and safety of compounded semaglutide indicates that people generally have a positive experience with it. He emphasized Sesame’s commitment to patient safety.
To further minimize risks, Sesame’s partnered compounding pharmacy will produce prefilled, single-use syringes rather than providing a vial of medication that patients must measure themselves. This approach is intended to reduce the likelihood of dosing errors and overdoses.
Patients interested in Sesame’s new weight loss program will begin by filling out an intake form and selecting a healthcare provider. They will then have a video consultation with the provider, who will determine if a prescription for compounded semaglutide is appropriate. If prescribed, patients can access ongoing consultations via video chat and will eventually gain access to a comprehensive content library focused on nutrition, fitness, and mindfulness.
Although the content library will not be available immediately upon the program’s launch, Sesame has promised that it will be live within two weeks. Patients who enroll during this interim period will automatically receive access once the content is available.
With millions of Americans affected by obesity and its related health issues, Sesame’s initiative offers a vital lifeline for those struggling to find effective treatment options during the ongoing drug shortages. Botta stated that connecting patients who are struggling with the supply shortage is considered worthwhile by the company.
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