As the demand for glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist medications for weight loss continues to climb, Prime Therapeutics (Prime) is uniquely positioned to manage this rapidly evolving drug class. With its GLP-1 research and insights, Prime continues to lead the pharmacy benefit management (PBM) industry, helping clients and members better understand the evolving marketplace.  

GLP-1s now account for a staggering 15% of pharmacy benefit spend, according to Prime findings. However, recent data shows only 1 in 12 patients stay on the therapy for weight loss after three years, with health outcomes varying widely.   

The latest clinical report from Prime, “The evolution of GLP-1s,” delves into some of the latest insights, empowering health plans, pharmacies and members with recent research, data, trends and forecasting for these medications, which are approved to treat type 2 diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular conditions.  

“Prime remains committed to studying the impact of GLP-1s for the foreseeable future because clients and patients deserve to make informed decisions, and our real-world data can help them do that,” said Marci Chodroff, M.D., vice president and medical director at Prime. “The popularity of GLP-1 drugs as a treatment for obesity meets a sobering reality of poor adherence and high cost of care in the real world, and it may be quite some time before these measures and health metrics improve in any substantial way.” 

The latest report covers several key topics:   

• Prime’s clinical position. This includes integrated data analytics; fraud, waste and abuse (FWA) detection; HighTouchRx^® interventions; utilization dashboards, forecasting tools; and more. KeepWell™, one of Prime’s comprehensive solutions, offers a personalized approach, supporting members with obesity, diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol. 

• Real-world data. While only 8% of those using a GLP-1 for obesity treatment persisted after three years; that figure doubles to 16% for those who use a high-potency GLP-1 like Wegovy^®. Experts share more insights from Prime’s ongoing research, which helps health plans make smart coverage decisions.  

• Drug pipeline. Prime’s clinical team regularly monitors the drug pipeline and publishes updates through the quarterly GLP-1 Pipeline Update publication, providing a credible snapshot of what’s on the horizon when it comes to GLP-1 medications. 

• Spend and trend. A mere 1% increase in GLP-1 utilization could drive a 5% increase in a self-insured employer’s drug spend, according to Prime data. Learn the latest trends in spend for this high-cost class.  

• Management strategies. Prime uses an evidence-based approach to GLP-1 management. Read how Prime works with clients to address the increasing demand for GLP-1s and the impact on the total cost of care.  

• A look ahead. Prime continues to prioritize benefit designs that align with the financial and health interests of its clients and their members. 

Read the full report to explore the data, strategies and future outlook shaping the GLP-1 landscape.