Injecting Insight: Analyzing GLP-1 Agonist Use and Opportunities for Optimal Management Within an Integrated Health System Specialty Pharmacy

According to the CDC, approximately 38 million Americans have diabetes and approximately 90-95% of them have type 2 diabetes. More than 2 in 5 of all adults in the United States have obesity and about 80-90% of patients with T2D are also overweight or obese. Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 agonists (GLP-1) and the dual GLP-1/glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) agonist are considered first-line therapies for T2D, however, several studies have demonstrated poor adherence and high discontinuation rates due to factors including cost, side effects, and formulary restrictions.

Shields Health Solutions’ clinical model provides high-quality care through comprehensive drug therapy education for patients initiating or refilling medications through integrated health system specialty pharmacies (HSSPs). In 2022, an ambulatory clinical pharmacist (ACP) model was established within a HSSP through which eligible patients on GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP agonists are provided ongoing monitoring and 24/7 clinical support. An analysis was conducted from December 2022 to November 2024 to assess medication adherence measured by the proportion of days covered (PDC), average prescription copay, and number of discontinuations for patients receiving GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP within the HSSP and enrolled in the ACP model.

We analyze the results together during this 1-hour webinar!