WeightWatchers jumps after adding compounded weight loss drugs

Shares of WeightWatchers are moving higher after the company announced the addition of compounded semaglutide into its offering. “Shortages of GLP-1 medications have plagued the market for more than two years, with patients often unable to find name-brand medications in stock at their local pharmacies. Over the past year, WeightWatchers has called local pharmacies across the country on behalf of members to conduct almost 3 million stock checks for GLP-1 medications and found them in stock just 4.5% of the time. These shortages can result in delays or interruptions of treatment, which negatively impact health outcomes for patients,” the company said in a statement. “Given the ongoing shortages of branded medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy, WeightWatchers is committed to ensuring our members still have access to effective alternatives and the support they need to achieve the health outcomes they deserve,” the company added. Shares of WeightWatchers are up 9% to 86c in morning trading.