ARLINGTON, Va. — Pharmacists could play a greater role in helping patients navigate GLP-1 treatment, according to research commissioned by the National Association of Chain Drug Stores ahead of a forthcoming Milken Institute report.
In a Milken Institute article, NACDS president and chief executive officer Steven Anderson said the research found that 83% of adults nationwide and 93% of GLP-1 users felt confident turning to pharmacists with questions about the medications.
Nearly three-quarters of GLP-1 users, or 74%, agreed that more opportunities to work with a pharmacist would improve their experience and success with the medication.
Public Opinion Strategies conducted the research, which included six focus groups and a national survey of 1,200 adults. The survey oversampled current, former and likely GLP-1 users.
Anderson said respondents valued practical support with insurance coverage and costs, managing side effects, and understanding how to use and store the medications. He said people new to therapy placed particular value on basic education.
GLP-1 users also expressed interest in support beyond the medication itself. Among those surveyed, 91% said pharmacists providing information about physical activity would be very or somewhat valuable, while 85% said the same about connections to a dietitian or other qualified nutrition professional.
Another 89% said a starter kit with products and resources that may be helpful during treatment, such as hydration or nutrition products, exercise equipment and educational materials, would be very or somewhat valuable.
“A prescription is a beginning, not a finish line,” Anderson wrote. “Care goes far beyond the prescription, and pharmacies and pharmacists are ideally positioned within the team that can help people use these treatments safely and successfully over time.”
The forthcoming Milken Institute report, supported by NACDS, is scheduled to be unveiled at the 2026 Future of Health Summit. Its recommendations draw on a review of the evidence, interviews with pharmacy, clinical, payer and policy leaders, and the opinion research, Anderson said.
The report marks the third formal collaboration between NACDS and the Milken Institute, following work on Food Is Medicine and chronic disease.
Submit Your Press Release
Have news to share? Send us your press releases and announcements.
Send Press Release
