New Calibrate CEO to strengthen partnership with Optum Rx
Optum Rx is working with Calibrate to bring its medication management strategy to employers seeking GLP-1 covered benefits.
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Rob MacNaughton has been named new chief executive officer of Calibrate, a clinician-guided, value-based obesity treatment program. One of his first missions will be to solidify a relationship with Optum Rx as a strategic partner during the company's enterprise-first growth phase.
MacNaughton assumes the role of CEO at Calibrate at a time when the company is pushing growth in enterprise clients. Enter Optum Rx, one the country's largest pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs). Optum Rx is working with Calibrate to bring its cost-effective medication management strategy to employers seeking GLP-1 covered benefits.
In August 2023, Calibrate launched the program for one of the nation's largest employers as a strategic client through its Optum Rx partnership. PBM partnerships help payers contain escalating GLP-1 costs at a time when there is surging demand for the medications.
"Obesity is the largest category of chronic disease and one of the biggest drivers of healthcare spending," said MacNaughton. "Our commercial momentum is stronger than ever, and we are confident we will continue to collaborate with industry leaders to deliver best-in-class sustained outcomes."
WHAT'S THE IMPACT?
Prior to joining Calibrate, MacNaughton served as the venture chair at Redesign Health, where he oversaw the launch and growth of several care delivery and health technology brands. Prior roles have included serving as CEO of Curve Health and Nurse Grid, and as chief product officer at Cambia Health Solutions, a multistate Blue Cross Blue Shield payer, where he led consumer growth and strategic efforts.
Just last week, Calibrate released its Third Annual Results Report, which represents the largest real-world dataset on GLP-1 medications coupled with intensive lifestyle intervention, and surpasses the outcomes observed in GLP-1 medication clinical trials of popular medications like Wegovy and Ozempic.
The report includes data on over 16,000 members and highlights a 16.2% average weight loss at 12 months and 17.9% average weight loss at 24 months. Further, the report demonstrated that among members who discontinued GLP-1 medications, 92% maintained a clinically significant 10% weight loss at least six months post-tapering off of GLP-1 medication.
Upon news of MacNaughton's ascension to the new role, Madryn announced additional funding in the company. Madryn is an alternative asset-management firm that invests in unique healthcare companies. The amount of additional funding it allocated was not disclosed.
THE LARGER TREND
In January, Optum Rx debuted a new weight-management and wellness-support program called Weight Engage. It's designed to support employers, health plans and the consumers with a comprehensive approach to drive better health outcomes and manage coverages.
This entails improving overall affordability – including that of weight loss medications – which for some classes, drug manufacturer pricing now exceeds $10,000 per year, said Optum.
Also this year, Optum Rx placed eight preferred insulin products on Tier One of standard commercial formularies, limiting out-of-pocket spend to $35 or less. The UnitedHealth Group subsidiary said this action is part of ongoing efforts to improve access and make critical medications more affordable.
Jeff Lagasse is editor of Healthcare Finance News.
Email: jlagasse@himss.org
Healthcare Finance News is a HIMSS Media publication.
