At CarelonRx, we conduct rigorous research and utilize a clinical-first approach using evidence-based medicine as part of our role in promoting high-quality care. Improving health, lowering overall care costs, and optimizing member experiences are our core priorities. We work to equip employers and healthcare providers with additional real-world evidence to help make informed decisions.
In collaboration with Carelon Research , our study on glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1-RAs) exemplifies our commitment to ensuring that high-profile treatments deliver on their promise of efficacy while maintaining patient safety. High-quality evidence is key to understanding the full benefits and risks of therapy as its use grows. This collaboration underscores the range of expert capabilities across Carelon companies that support our whole-person approach to healthcare.
The importance of methodological rigor in GLP-1s research
To help ensure new treatments are truly beneficial, our research on GLP-1s starts with a careful evaluation of high-quality randomized controlled clinical trials. These trials set the standard that we carry into gathering real-world evidence on safety and efficacy. By registering our study protocol with the Real-World Evidence Transparency Initiative, we aimed to reduce biases and boost transparency. The study design used active comparator and new-user methodologies, controlling for 82 clinical and demographic factors, ensuring high-quality data.
Experts from CarelonRx, Carelon Research, and external partners helped select comparison drugs and relevant factors for analysis. We used the Healthcare Integrated Research Database (HIRD®), which includes claims data from over 90 million people within Elevance Health, to gather broadly applicable insights for a specific population.
This methodology empowers stakeholders to make informed decisions that focus on patient safety and long-term outcomes, crucial for evolving treatments like GLP-1 drugs.
Uncovering key insights in GLP-1 safety and efficacy
The study’s findings have important implications for the safety and efficacy of GLP-1 drugs. Notably, GLP-1-RA users experienced a higher rate of hospitalization for gallbladder and biliary diseases. Furthermore, no major reduction was observed in cardiovascular events with these treatments, impacting diabetes and weight management prescriptions.
However, a promising discovery was the lower rate of acute liver injury among Type 2 diabetes patients using GLP-1-RAs. These insights help clinicians evaluate the liver safety of GLP-1 drugs, to support them in providing balanced, effective care to their patients.
Enhancing decision-making for employers and plan sponsors
For employers and plan sponsors, understanding the implications of treatment options is key to managing healthcare benefits effectively. Our investment in long-term, comprehensive GLP-1 research helps optimize health outcomes for our members.
By identifying and addressing potential risks early, we empower employers with data to help make informed decisions that enhance the health and wellness of their workforce. Our proactive stance is one way that CarelonRx inspires ongoing trust and confidence in the therapies prescribed to employees.
Informing provider prescribing decisions with actionable insights
We also aim to assist prescribing doctors with safety and efficacy insights from our study. Careful research design and clinician collaboration help identify safety concerns early, aiding providers in delivering evidence-based treatments.
Real-world studies like ours give healthcare providers additional evidence to help optimize patient outcomes. And continually refining our research approaches in response to emerging evidence lets us maintain an outcomes-focused framework.
The role of comprehensive research in weight management
As demand grows for obesity and weight management solutions like GLP-1s, we remain committed to thorough, high-quality research. At CarelonRx, we are dedicated to fostering whole-person health by providing connected, evidence-based care that benefits all stakeholders.
By investing in robust research methodologies and fostering collaborative expertise, we aim to advance pharmacy benefit management and clinical practices to improve health, lower total cost of care, and to optimize the experience of our members. Our approach not only addresses current healthcare challenges but also prepares us to meet future needs. Access to accurate insights helps stakeholders navigate the evolving landscape of modern pharmacy care.
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