Ozempic Alternative: Sesame Offers Compounded Semaglutide for $249/Month

Sesame, a healthcare marketplace, has launched a new clinical weight loss program offering compounded versions of Novo Nordisk's blockbuster obesity drug Wegovy for $249 per month. This move aims to address the ongoing shortage of branded weight loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, while offering a more affordable option for consumers.

• The program offers compounded semaglutide, the active ingredient in both Wegovy and Ozempic.
• Sesame facilitates direct booking and payment for appointments with doctors and specialists, bypassing insurance companies.

Ozempic and Wegovy Shortage Driving Demand for Alternatives

The shortage of branded weight loss drugs, including Ozempic and Wegovy, has created a surge in demand for alternatives. This shortage has made it difficult for many patients to access these treatments, leading to a search for alternative solutions.

• The lowest dose of Wegovy is currently in short supply, while all other doses of Wegovy and Ozempic are available, according to the FDA's drug shortage database.
• The rising popularity of GLP-1s, the class of drugs that includes Ozempic and Wegovy, has created a high demand for these medications, leading to supply challenges.

Compounded Medications: A More Affordable Option

Compounded medications are custom-made alternatives to branded drugs, offering a potential solution to the shortage of Ozempic and Wegovy. These medications are typically cheaper than their branded counterparts, making them a more affordable option for weight loss treatment.

• Sesame's program offers compounded semaglutide at a significantly lower cost than branded Ozempic and Wegovy, which can cost around $1,000 per month before insurance.
• The company emphasizes the affordability of its program, stating that it offers the most accessible price point for compounded semaglutide.

Concerns Regarding Compounded Medication Safety and Purity

While compounded medications offer a more affordable option, there are concerns regarding their safety and purity. The lack of rigorous FDA oversight, combined with the potential for dosing errors, has raised concerns about the quality of compounded medications.

• Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, the manufacturers of Ozempic and Wegovy, have raised concerns about the purity and quality of compounded versions of their drugs.
• The FDA has reported cases of patients overdosing on compounded semaglutide due to dosing errors.

Sesame's Approach to Compounded Medications

Sesame has addressed concerns about compounded medication safety by partnering with a 503B compounding pharmacy that meets its quality standards. The company conducts thorough inspections of its partner pharmacies to ensure adherence to stringent quality control measures.

• Sesame's program uses prefilled, single-use syringes for compounded semaglutide, eliminating the need for patients to measure doses themselves, further reducing the risk of dosing errors.
• The company emphasizes its commitment to patient safety by partnering with a reputable compounding pharmacy and implementing measures to minimize potential risks.

Accessibility and Ongoing Support

Sesame's program offers a comprehensive approach to weight loss, providing patients with access to healthcare providers, ongoing consultations, and educational resources.

• Patients can schedule virtual consultations with healthcare providers to determine if compounded semaglutide is appropriate for their needs.
• The program includes a library of nutrition, fitness, and mindfulness content, providing patients with support throughout their weight loss journey.
• Sesame aims to expand access to weight loss treatment options, particularly for individuals struggling with the shortage of Ozempic and Wegovy.

The Future of Ozempic and GLP-1s

The popularity of GLP-1s, including Ozempic and Wegovy, is expected to continue growing, with analysts predicting that the industry could generate over $100 billion in annual revenue by 2030. The demand for these drugs, coupled with ongoing supply challenges, will likely lead to continued innovation and competition in the weight loss and diabetes treatment market.

• The increasing demand for Ozempic and Wegovy, along with the ongoing shortage of these medications, will likely drive further research and development in the GLP-1s market.
• The availability of compounded medications, like those offered by Sesame, provides an alternative solution for patients seeking affordable and accessible weight loss options.