Ivim Health Asks Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Nominee for Secretary of HHS, to Focus on Patient Access and Affordability
COLUMBUS, Ohio, December 30, 2024 —
Dear Mr. Kennedy,
My name is Dr. Taylor Kantor, and I am joined in writing this letter by my colleague, Dr. Jessica Duncan. We are reaching out to bring attention to a critical issue impacting patient access to life-changing medications, specifically GLP-1 therapies such as tirzepatide.
Recent developments, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s December 19, 2024, announcement declaring the shortage of tirzepatide injections to be over, have significant implications for patients and the broader healthcare community. As an organization comprised of Obesity Medicine physicians and nurse practitioners advocating on behalf of our patients, we believe this recent FDA decision will negatively impact millions of Americans struggling with obesity. Unfortunately, these developments reveal deeper systemic challenges that deserve your advocacy and influence.
A Call to Action
This decision by the FDA, under the Biden Administration, appears to be a parting gift to Big Pharma, prioritizing corporate profits over patient care. We urge you to lend your voice to this critical issue and advocate for policies that:
- Protect patient access to compounded medications as a necessary component of personalized care.
- Hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for ethical pricing practices that reflect production costs and prioritize patient affordability.
- Reform the insurance system to eliminate unnecessary intermediaries and ensure coverage for essential medications.
- Promote holistic care models that address the root causes of obesity and metabolic disorders through sustainable lifestyle changes.
This decision also runs counter to directives from senators and incoming officials, including requests for the current administration to pause actions that could have significant implications for consumers. The Biden Administration’s FDA should be held accountable for making decisions that appear to serve the interests of Big Pharma rather than addressing the systemic issues that limit patient access.
Barriers to Access and Continuity of Care
At Ivím Health, we witness firsthand how GLP-1 medications transform lives by enabling patients to achieve sustainable weight loss, provide cardiovascular disease prevention, reduce inflammation, and improve baseline conditions like osteoarthritis and obstructive sleep apnea. Yet, the announcement declaring the shortage “over” does not align with the real-world experiences of countless patients.
Despite claims of sufficient supply, barriers such as exorbitant costs and restricted insurance coverage persist, preventing many from accessing the care they desperately need. Moreover, biopharmaceutical companies are controlling the distribution of these medications to prioritize financial interests over the needs of the American people.
The FDA’s Drug Competition Action Plan was designed to promote the lowering of drug costs to benefit the American people. Novo Nordisk, a leading manufacturer, has admitted that the cost of producing these medications is as low as $5 per month, yet patients often face out-of-pocket expenses exceeding $1,000. This stark disparity highlights a profit-driven model that prioritizes financial gain over patient well-being. Instead of addressing these systemic issues, Big Pharma continues to divert attention by targeting compounding pharmacies that provide affordable alternatives for those who cannot access or afford brand-name medications.
The Ethical Imperative of Supporting Compounding Pharmacies
Compounding pharmacies play a crucial role in bridging the gap for patients who would otherwise go without treatment. Disrupting access to compounded tirzepatide undermines patient health outcomes and places undue stress on healthcare providers striving to deliver comprehensive continuity of care.
At Ivím Health, we uphold a philosophy that prioritizes long-term health through nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle interventions. GLP-1 therapy serves as a tool to empower patients to make meaningful dietary and lifestyle changes, reduce their cardiometabolic disease risk, improve diabetic conditions management, and embrace active, more holistic lifestyles. We distinguish ourselves within the industry through our unwavering commitment to supporting patients throughout their treatment journey and guiding them in transitioning off medications when appropriate.
We provide:
- Nutritional support from functional medicine experts to help maintain progress.
- Laboratory testing to address deficiencies and promote overall health.
- Functional medicine programs for deeper healing and sustainable outcomes.
- Comprehensive care including access to full-time medical providers.
- Community support through access to our mobile health app and the largest GLP-1 patient social network.
This comprehensive approach enhances patients’ ability to achieve lasting results without depending on medications indefinitely.
Big Pharma’s Misguided Priorities
Big Pharma has shifted focus to targeting compounding pharmacies instead of addressing the root causes of limited access—such as inflated pricing, a dysfunctional insurance system, and profit-driven middlemen.
Compounding pharmacies act as a critical resource for patients who cannot secure insurance coverage or afford the exorbitant prices of brand-name medication. This misdirection not only harms patients but also stifles innovation and collaboration within the healthcare sector, limiting the potential for medical professionals to develop more personalized and effective treatment strategies tailored to individual patient needs.
We also ask for your commitment to review all available data, including the cost implications for consumers, and to advocate for reforms that prioritize patient well-being over corporate profits. Your leadership and dedication to justice and transparency uniquely position you to champion these causes.
Together, we can challenge the status quo and create a healthcare system that prioritizes patients over profits.
Thank you for considering this urgent matter. We welcome the opportunity to collaborate and provide further insights into how these challenges impact the communities we serve.
Sincerely,
Taylor Kantor, MD
Co-Founder, Ivím Health
Chief Medical Officer
Jessica Duncan, MD
Medical Director, Ivím Health
ABOM Diplomate