Ro launches GLP-1 tracker to help patients navigate GLP-1 shortages

To address the ongoing challenges surrounding the shortage of GLP-1 medications, Ro, a direct-to-patient healthcare company, has launched the GLP-1 Supply Tracker, an innovative tool designed to provide patients with real-time insights and automated alerts on GLP-1 drug availability.

The GLP-1 shortage — which has impacted access to popular weight loss and diabetes management drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic — has left many patients scrambling to find their necessary medications. Ro's new GLP-1 Supply Tracker aims to alleviate this burden by empowering patients with the information they need.

"The GLP-1 shortage challenges are exacerbated by a lack of accurate, up-to-date, and accessible GLP-1 supply information. Patients deserve better," said Zachariah Reitano, Co-founder and CEO of Ro, in the company’s press release. "We originally began building this tracker for Ro patients but knew that our scaled supply data and tech expertise positioned us to help all patients (whether Ro patient or not) navigate the shortage and have a greater chance of finding the GLP-1 medications they need."

The GLP-1 Supply Tracker leverages Ro's proprietary, nationwide supply data, user-generated reports, and the latest information from the FDA's Drug Shortage List to provide a comprehensive view of GLP-1 availability. The tool allows patients to report on drug supply and shortages at specific pharmacies, receive automated alerts when supply becomes available in their area, and even submit shortage reports directly to the FDA with just a few clicks.

"Drug shortages threaten treatment adherence and continuity of care — not to mention create undue stress for patients," said Melynda Barnes, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Ro. "Providers can use the GLP-1 Supply Tracker to stay informed about supply so that they can best counsel their patients on the most clinically appropriate and reliably available GLP-1 treatment."

In addition to the GLP-1 Supply Tracker, Ro also offers compounded GLP-1 medications to help maintain patients' access to treatment and continuity of care during the shortage of branded GLP-1s. However, experts such as Lydia Alexander, MD, president of the Obesity Medicine Association (OMA) and Chief Medical Officer at Enara, argue that the risks of compounded peptide medications make them a dangerous alternative to approved GLP-1 drugs — as they are often produced and sold illegally by unlicensed pharmacies and "bootleggers" taking advantage of drug shortages, potentially containing unknown or dangerous ingredients that could be ineffective or actively harmful to patients.

"Patients deserve better than the current GLP-1 shortage landscape," Reitano emphasized. "By leveraging our data, technology, and healthcare expertise, we're empowering patients to take control of their care and increase their chances of finding the treatments they need.

The GLP-1 Supply Tracker is now free to all patients, providers, and healthcare stakeholders. As the GLP-1 shortage continues to impact the industry, Ro's innovative solution may be a crucial resource for those most in need of these medications.