Ro Launches GLP-1 Supply Tracker Amid Rising Demand for Weight Loss Drugs

Krissy Vann | Host, All Things Fitness and Wellness

GLP-1 medications have seen a surge in demand due to their effectiveness in weight loss management. Recent research from Goldman Sachs in 2023 revealed that the global market for anti-obesity medications reached $6 billion on an annualized basis. This market is projected to grow by more than 16 times to $100 billion by 2030. This dramatic increase is fueled by a growing global obesity crisis, with the World Obesity Atlas 2023 forecasting that over half of the global population will be overweight or obese by 2035, compared to 38% in 2020.

Goldman Sachs estimates that about 15 million adults in the US alone may be treated with AOMs by 2030, representing approximately 13% penetration of the eligible US obese/overweight adult population.

With the popularity of weight loss drugs skyrocketing, Ro, a direct-to-patient healthcare company, has introduced the GLP-1 Supply Tracker. This tool provides patients with real-time insights into GLP-1 drug shortages and offers automated, localized supply alerts. Patients can use this tracker to stay updated on GLP-1 availability by drug, dose, and location, share their own experiences with shortages, and report findings to the FDA.

"The GLP-1 shortage challenges are exacerbated by a lack of accurate, up-to-date, and accessible GLP-1 supply information. Patients deserve better," said Zachariah Reitano, Co-founder and CEO of Ro. "We originally began building this tracker for Ro patients but knew that our scaled supply data and tech expertise positioned us to help all patients navigate the shortage and have a greater chance of finding the GLP-1 medications they need." Ro's tracker leverages proprietary nationwide supply data, user-generated reports, and the latest information from the FDA's Drug Shortage List. The tool is free and open for use by any patient, provider, or healthcare stakeholder.

Patients can sign up to receive automated email alerts when a GLP-1 drug is reported in supply in their area or when the status changes on the FDA's Drug Shortage List. Supply alerts notify patients of the specific pharmacy with the medication in stock, including the pharmacy's name, address, and phone number. Alerts also provide instructions on how to request a prescription transfer to the pharmacy with available supply. Ro patients can message their care team at any time to request that Ro transfer their prescription on their behalf.

"Drug shortages threaten treatment adherence and continuity of care – not to mention create undue stress for patients," noted Dr. Melynda Barnes, Chief Medical Officer at Ro. "Providers can use the GLP-1 Supply Tracker to stay informed about supply so that they can best counsel their patients on the most clinically appropriate and reliably available GLP-1 treatment."

The introduction of the GLP-1 Supply Tracker by Ro exemplifies how companies are adapting to the growing demand for weight loss medications. As the appetite for these treatments continues to rise, tools like this tracker reflect the ongoing efforts to manage the distribution and availability of these drugs, aiming to help patients navigate the complexities of medication shortages.

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