Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist medications continue to take the health care world by storm — hailed for their weight-loss potential. But as demand surges and headlines multiply, one question remains: Are these therapies delivering long-term value?  

In the latest episode of the “Pharmacy Friends” podcast, “Signs & signals — GLP-1s in the data age,” join guests Pat Gleason, PharmD, BCPS, FFCP, FAMCP, assistant vice president of health outcomes; Sarah Taylor, vice president of enterprise and data analytics; David Lassen, chief clinical officer; and host Maryam Tabatabai, PharmD, vice president of clinical information, as they discuss how insights from Prime Therapeutics (Prime)’s latest real-world research on GLP-1 adherence and persistence can inform clinical strategy.  

“We’re doing everything possible to optimize the success of the utilization of GLP-1s,” Lassen said. “If they’re going to be used, we want to ensure that they’re going to be (used) successfully.”  

High costs translate to health plan pressure 

The cost of GLP-1 medications has surged in recent years, placing significant pressure on health plans. Prime data shows that even a 1% increase in GLP-1 utilization can drive a 5% rise in drug spend for self-insured employers. GLP-1s account for about 15% of overall pharmacy benefit spend, according to Prime’s latest report on the evolution of GLP-1 use. As demand grows and new indications expand, health plans are reevaluating coverage strategies, often implementing stricter clinical criteria, wellness program requirements and alternative pharmacy benefit models to manage the escalating costs. 

“Treatment of obesity is an investment,” Gleason said. “Behavior modification ... is so important. ... Individuals can lose that weight, keep it off and maybe even come off their GLP-1 in the future and maintain that weight loss.”  

How Prime guides clinical strategy  

Through Prime’s integrated medical and pharmacy claims data, Prime has produced award-winning studies that reveal critical trends in GLP-1 persistence, adherence and cost of care. Prime stays on top of the latest trends in GLP-1 utilization and pipeline through its quarterly GLP-1 Pipeline Update publication, its advanced analytics tools for clients and its KeepWell™ program, which supports holistic cardiometabolic care. Prime continues to shape the broader conversation around GLP-1 therapies with evidence-based insights that drive smarter, more sustainable clinical strategies. 

“Prime’s advanced analytics can really help answer some of these real-world questions and help us be more consultative — supporting and building real solutions for our clients,” Taylor said.  

“Pharmacy Friends” is a podcast dedicated to bringing industry experts to the same table to talk about what is happening in pharmacy today, what is coming and, most importantly, what it means to you. Listen to the full episode “Signs & signals — GLP-1s in the data age,” at PrimeTherapeutics.com/Listen.     

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