Mark Cuban’s Dallas-based Cost Plus Drug Company is teaming up with San Diego-based 9amHealth to help employers expand access to affordable obesity medications as part of their health benefit plans.

The collaboration brings together Cost Plus Drugs’ transparent pricing model and 9amHealth’s high-touch virtual care program at a time when, the companies say, patient demand and rising medical costs have come to a head. In their announcement, the companies described the partnership as a cost-efficient, clinically guided solution for employers looking to expand coverage for weight management and chronic conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension.

As part of the collaboration, 9amHealth plans to incorporate low-cost oral medications from Cost Plus Drugs into its clinically validated obesity treatment protocol. Aimed at self-insured employers, the program also includes access to branded GLP-1 obesity medications at transparent monthly costs, supported by direct partnerships with manufacturers.

Employees would receive discounted prescriptions from Cost Plus Drugs along with virtual care from 9amHealth’s team of Obesity Medicine physicians, endocrinologists, and cardiometabolic specialists, “without long waits or costly appointments,” the companies said.

Alex Oshmyansky

Alex Oshmyansky, CEO of Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company, says the collaboration aligns with the company’s mission to make prescription drugs more affordable.

In a statement, he said the company’s commitment to transparent pricing “has always been unwavering”—and that by working with clinical leaders in obesity like 9amHealth, “we are dedicated to providing affordable and accessible healthcare solutions for patients with cardiometabolic conditions.”

With employer demand for obesity care on the rise, the companies describe their offering as a turnkey approach: evidence-based treatment combined with affordable medication access.

Paul Geevarghese, COO and co-founder of 9amHealth, says the collaboration gives employers a way to offer expert medical management of obesity “without the massive price tag.”

In a statement, he added, “We’re not only lowering the cost of medications, we’re also connecting members to real, human care: specialists in obesity and diabetes, clinical pharmacists, and ongoing nutritional support with registered dietitians—all from the comfort of home.”

The companies said the program gives employers a scalable option to address obesity and related chronic conditions within their benefit plans. It includes at-home lab testing, prescription delivery, access to first-generation obesity medications through costplusdrugs.com, and 24/7 clinical support.

Cost Plus Drugs, which launched its online pharmacy in January 2022, now offers more than 2,300 prescription products delivered by mail to thousands of customers daily.

Don’t miss what’s next. Subscribe to Dallas Innovates.

Track Dallas-Fort Worth’s business and innovation landscape with our curated news in your inbox Tuesday-Thursday.