Digital health company Noom has announced the introduction of a new weight loss product that includes a compounded GLP-1 drug, starting at $149. This treatment will utilize compounded semaglutide, the active ingredient found in Novo Nordisk’s popular obesity and diabetes drugs Wegovy and Ozempic. Noom has been providing weight loss programs for a while, and consumers have the option to access branded medications through its platform.
Several digital health companies, including Hims & Hers and Sesame, have begun offering compounded versions of medications as a more affordable option for consumers due to the increasing demand for weight loss and diabetes drugs. Noom’s CEO, Geoff Cook, emphasized the need for more affordable supply in the market.
GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Ozempic are part of a widely used class of drugs that help regulate appetite and blood sugar levels. Compounded versions are custom-made alternatives to brand-name drugs and are produced when there is a shortage of the original treatments. These compounded medications are typically much cheaper than their branded counterparts, which can cost around $1,000 per month before insurance coverage.
Noom’s program will charge consumers $149 for the first month and $279 for subsequent months as the medication dosage increases. While the FDA does not review compounded products for safety and efficacy, Noom is working with an FDA-regulated 503B compounding pharmacy for its new program, Noom GLP-1 RX.
Participants in the program will receive guidance on how to use the medication, access one-on-one coaching, and have tools available to support their weight loss journey. Noom also offers a way for individuals to taper off the medication if they choose to stop taking it. The company aims to provide sustained weight loss outcomes and offers incentives for participants who regain weight within a specified period after completing the program.
