With weight loss drugs classified as GLP-1s like Wegovy, Zepbound, and Mounjaro in short supply for such a massive demand, the telehealth platform Ro launched its GLP-1 Supply Tracker to allow its users to receive alerts when a GLP-1 drug is back in supply in their area. 

Gizmodo reported that patients wanting to monitor the supply of their weight loss medications could sign up for the app and receive information about the pharmacies where GLP-1s are available. 

The app is in response to pharmaceutical companies like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly's difficulty keeping up with the soaring demand for their popular diabetes and weight loss drugs. It would also harness Ro's nationwide supply data, user-generated reports, and the latest Food and Drug Administration (FDA) information. 

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Helping Patients Get Their GLP-1s

According to Ro co-founder and CEO Zachariah Reitano, his startup's initiative wanted to help patients have "accurate, up-to-date, and accessible" GLP-1 supply information, which was worsening the drug shortage.

Bloomberg valued Ro at $7 billion after its latest funding round in 2022.

In addition to alerts, users could also self-report details such as the drug, dose, and pharmacy where they did or did not find stock of their GLP-1 drug. 

Meanwhile, Eli Lilly, the maker of Zepbound and Mounjaro, is developing a similar tool. Patrik Jonsson, the president of its diabetes and obesity division, told Quartz that it was updating its supply website with a heat map showing where patients could purchase their medicines.

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