Closing GLP-1 Access Gaps in Obesity Care: Adaolisa Anaka, PharmD, BCACP, AAHIVP

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists have become a key treatment option for obesity, a chronic disease tied to substantial cardiometabolic risk. However, high costs and complex coverage requirements keep many patients from starting or staying on therapy. Adaolisa Anaka, PharmD, BCACP, AAHIVP, clinical pharmacist, Shields Health Solutions. discussed a study presented at the National Association of Specialty Pharmacy (NASP) inSPire2026 conference, that examined how an integrated health system specialty pharmacy (HSSP) model can help close that gap.

Anaka and colleagues defined access broadly. A prescription alone is not enough; patients must be able to obtain their medication and remain on it. In the integrated HSSP model, providers, pharmacists, and support staff operate as a coordinated team. They use shared technology to submit prior authorizations, manage insurance appeals, document coverage decisions, and process prescriptions.

The model centers on closed-loop pharmacist interventions. Pharmacists identify barriers at each step between prescription and medication in hand, document them, and make targeted recommendations. They then follow up to confirm each recommendation was acted on and actually moved the patient closer to treatment.

Providers accepted 99% of pharmacist interventions, which Anaka attributed to strong collaboration and trust within the care team.

Although the study did not focus primarily on process friction, Anaka acknowledged several sources of delay, including patient-related and social factors. Payers, for example, may request additional clinical documentation or lab work before approving prior authorization. That can require another office visit and push back the start of therapy.

The integrated HSSP model is designed to anticipate and absorb many of these obstacles before they reach the patient. By pairing pharmacist expertise with coordinated access support and streamlined prescription management, the model aims to help patients navigate insurance and administrative hurdles so they can start and stay on GLP-1 therapy for obesity.