What’s Next for GLP-1s? 6 Takeaways From a Cross-Sector HLTH Roundtable

The rapid rise of GLP-1 therapies has transformed the landscape of obesity and chronic care and raised new questions around patient access, care models, and clinical rigor.

To explore this evolving ecosystem, Wheel CEO Michelle Davey recently moderated a closed-door virtual roundtable hosted by HLTH. The discussion brought together leaders from big pharma, diagnostics, digital health, patient experience, and venture capital to unpack the clinical, commercial, and care delivery considerations of GLP-1 implementation.

Here are five key insights from the conversation:

1. Virtual models are key to expanding access but guardrails are essential

Participants agreed: virtual-first models are critical to scaling equitable access to GLP-1s. But there’s growing concern around clinical variability, particularly when patients obtain medications through questionable sources or lack proper management and follow-up. 

To mitigate risk and validate patient access parameters, panelists emphasized the need for conservative and structured virtual care protocols, including lab work, weight and height verification, and behavioral counseling, especially for programs operating outside traditional payer frameworks.

2. AI-powered support can boost patient engagement if it feels human

From clinical trials to commercial programs, long-term adherence to health and wellness programs remains a challenge. One standout example discussed was the use of AI-powered engagement agents like “Ella,” an empathetic digital advocate that helps patients stay connected during clinical trial programs. AI tools that humanize communication and focus on patients’ emotional needs, like the significance of treatment, were seen as especially promising for care program engagement. The group emphasized that adherence improves when patients feel seen and supported, not just managed.

3. Connected devices and health coaching are keys to program success

With employers and payers seeking more value-based models, the group spotlighted the importance of integrating connected monitoring systems, like scales, to improve and report on outcomes. Insights from an employer-based program that uses connected devices and health coaching to enhance engagement and adherence were also discussed. These tools help track progress in real time, giving stakeholders confidence in program performance and unlocking innovative coverage strategies.

4. Global regulatory shifts are forcing program evolution

International participants flagged rapidly changing policies in countries like the UK, where new regulations are reshaping how GLP-1s are accessed and monitored. The takeaway? Programs must remain nimble, build compliance into their care models, and anticipate regulatory ripple effects, especially as new obesity drugs enter the market at lower net prices and different coverage dynamics.

5. Outcomes reporting is critical as access expands

The discussion examined the evolution of healthcare coverage and costs, particularly regarding GLP-1 drugs for weight management. Predictions indicated that insurance companies, PBMs, and employers will increasingly require outcomes-based reporting, with connected devices cited as an enabler. The importance of closed-loop referral systems and partnerships between telehealth providers, labs, and pharmaceutical companies to manage costs and demonstrate outcomes was also discussed, along with the growing trend of patients paying out of pocket for these treatments.

6. The future of weight management lies in whole-person, personalized care

Weight loss is just the starting point and weight management is not one-size-fits-all. Participants discussed the importance of defining and tracking broader metabolic health markers, particularly for populations managing overlapping conditions like menopause, prediabetes, and PCOS. Preventive diagnostics and personalized, longitudinal care plans were identified as the next frontier in making GLP-1 programs not only effective but transformative. 

How Wheel helps digital health and pharma leaders deliver smarter GLP-1 programs

At Wheel, we power virtual weight management programs that can be integrated with broader chronic and lifestyle-related care for holistic patient health. Our turnkey solution includes:

• Evidence-based care pathways, including GLP-1 and oral medication flows
• Lab ordering, prescription management, and ongoing monitoring
• A 50-state clinician network with obesity-trained providers
• Configurable patient journeys and EMR designed for longitudinal care
• Optional partner integrations for diagnostics, fulfillment, and home delivery

Whether you're a digital health platform scaling your service or a pharmaceutical brand building a direct-to-patient channel, Wheel helps you go to market faster with clinical integrity and measurable outcomes built in.

Learn more about Wheel’s Virtual-First Weight Management Programs. 

Ready to build or scale your GLP-1 program?

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