Allurion Technologies launches AI weight loss program complementing GLP-1 agonist prescription service

Allurion Technologies has launched an AI-based weight loss and monitoring program, AllurionMeds, in the US. The program works in tandem with its GLP-1 drug prescription services. It addresses the most common GLP-1 treatment concerns, including weight regain, while offering virtual access to dieticians through a companion app.

Program patients will receive support from a virtual guide, Coach Iris, and be prescribed GLP-1 drugs sourced from a US FDA-registered 503b facility. Allurion highlights that every batch has been tested for sterility and potency, among other things, before release.

The program also includes a smart weighing scale compatible with its digital app, which monitors patients’ muscle and bone mass alongside weight to measure their overall weight loss quality.

Allurion claims that previous studies have shown that its scale, app and lifestyle modification program, in conjunction with the Allurion gastric balloon, have helped patients lose weight while gaining muscle mass in the long term.

“Safety and ease of use were paramount to us as we were designing AllurionMeds. After careful evaluation of multiple partners, we selected pharmacies that met our high standards to create an experience that is ‘always on’ through Coach Iris,” says Brian Conyer, VP of Digital Health at Allurion.

“In the future, we intend to expand the types of GLP-1s available and also offer brand-name versions to provide patients with as many options as possible for their weight loss journey.”

Attenuating muscle loss

Allurion highlights the market opportunity for GLP-1s in the US, which continues to grow and is expected to exceed US$100 billion with 30 million total users by 2030. However, it notes recent studies have found 30% of patients discontinue GLP-1 drugs in the first month after significant muscle mass loss.

“These issues, combined with prices in excess of US$1,300 per month, will further the obesity epidemic and lead to untenable expenses in the US unless access and support are improved for the millions of Americans living with this disease,” says the company.

Dr. Shantanu Gaur, founder and CEO of Allurion, comments: “Real-world use of GLP-1s has highlighted three critical issues: poor medication adherence and wrap-around support, muscle and bone mass loss, and untenable cost to the healthcare system.”

“AllurionMeds leverages our existing platform to address all three of these issues by providing 24/7 AI-powered coaching, monitoring of weight, muscle mass and bone mass, and offering high-quality and affordable compounded semaglutide delivered at home.”

Allurion highlights the market opportunity for GLP-1s in the US, which continues to grow and is expected to exceed US$100 billion with 30 million users by 2030.Expanding coverage

With the launch of AllurionMeds, Allurion has expanded its product offerings to all 50 US states. AllurionMeds partnered with FDA-registered pharmacies to provide “safe and financially accessible” GLP-1 products available across the US.

“After careful evaluation of multiple partners, we selected pharmacies that met our high standards to create an experience that is ‘always on’ through Coach Iris,” says Conyer.

“In the future, we intend to expand the types of GLP-1s available and also offer brand-name versions to provide patients with as many options as possible for their weight loss journey.”

Previously, the company launched the Virtual Care Suite, its B2B AI product, to obesity management clinics in the US. The weight-loss management suite includes remote patient monitoring, telehealth and care team collaboration, “all under the one digital umbrella.”

“I believe the relationships we are creating with patients and providers in the US could benefit future product launches by creating a foothold in the largest obesity market in the world,” says Dr. Gaur.

“Without affordable medications for weight loss and AI-powered behavior change, we risk bankrupting the US healthcare system,” he underscores.

Product innovation around GLP-1 weight loss treatment has been ramping up, as evidenced by brand activity. Lemme, the supplement brand founded by reality star Kourtney Kardashian Barker, recently introduced Lemme GLP-1 Daily, a plant-based supplement that claims to boost GLP-1 hormone levels naturally.

At the recent SupplySide West 2024 show in Las Vegas, Nevada, industry suppliers spoke to Nutrition Insight about their complementary supplement innovations for consumers taking  GLP-1 agonist drugs, tackling the most common issues of muscle mass retention and gastrointestinal symptoms.