In October, GLP-1 manufacturers inked partnerships with big-box retailers to increase access as several studies indicate a low adherence rate for the expensive medications.
Three updates on the GLP-1 drug class:
1. Prescriptions go unfilled
Despite expanded approvals for conditions beyond obesity and Type 2 diabetes, the GLP-1 drug class is experiencing a drop in fill rates.
Restricted coverage across payers and high medication costs are factoring into unfilled GLP-1 prescriptions, according to a growing body of research.
One study, which analyzed GLP-1 prescriptions for 2.4 million patients from a dataset for more than 120 million patients, found a contrast between GLP-1s for diabetes and those indicated for weight loss. Within 60 days of a first-time GLP-1 prescription, more than 70% of individuals filled the prescription with an anti-diabetic indication, compared to 47% of patients with a weight loss-indicated GLP-1.
A separate study found that 60.1% of GLP-1 prescriptions were filled between January 2018 and September 2022 with a lower fill rate among patients with obesity compared to those with diabetes.
Retention is another issue: Only about 1 in 12 individuals taking GLP-1s to treat obesity remained on the therapy after three years, according to research published in June.
2. Efforts to increase access
In response to access barriers, more companies are adding GLP-1s to their portfolios. For example, Walmart is partnering with Eli Lilly to offer in-store pickup of Zepbound, a GLP-1 approved for weight loss and obesity-related sleep apnea, through the drugmaker’s direct-to-consumer website. Through the site, self-paying patients can access Eli Lilly GLP-1 medications at discounts of 50% or higher.
In recent weeks, big-box retailers Sam’s Club and Costco said they are collaborating with Denmark-based Novo Nordisk to offer the drugmaker’s Ozempic and Wegovy for $499 per month.
Mark Cuban’s mail-order pharmacy also recently announced a partnership with Meitheal Pharmaceuticals, a Chicago-based pharmaceutical firm, to offer liraglutide. Liraglutide is a generic drug sold under several brand names, including weight loss drug Saxenda and diabetes medication Victoza, which are both manufactured by Novo Nordisk.
3. Effect on hospitals and payers
In an Oct. 13 report, credit rating agency Fitch Ratings lowered its outlook for Jefferson Health, a Philadelphia-based system with 32 hospitals. Jefferson reported a $196 million operating loss (-1.2%) operating margin in fiscal 2025, which ended June 30. Fitch’s report said the system’s payer segment contributed to the lower outlook, as Jefferson Health Plans experienced a $170 million loss in 2025.
GLP-1 pharmaceutical costs and medical expenses outpacing inflation drove the losses, according to Jefferson.
