Drug Ad Ban, GLP-1 Mill For Skinny People, UHC Broker Cut

Hey all,

Happy Tuesday! While direct to consumer is broadening access to treatments for stigmatized conditions, it is also leading to a lot of bad behavior. It has also ruined Youtube as I am inundated with ads for arthritis and weight loss. Enjoy the rundown! 

Jacob Brody (Co-Founder & CEO, ZorroRX)

(Wall Street Journal) Senators Push to Ban Direct-to-Consumer Drug Ads

Senators Bernie Sanders and Angus King have proposed a sweeping ban on direct-to-consumer prescription drug advertising, targeting all formats from TV to social media, in a move they say is aimed at curbing pharmaceutical industry influence and deceptive marketing. The bill reflects mounting bipartisan concern that such ads contribute to overmedication and undermine public trust, though critics argue it faces significant legal challenges under the First Amendment. If drug companies didn’t bankroll nearly 25% of TV news ad time, maybe networks would be a little more curious about what’s actually in those pills. Full Article.

(Halle Tecco Substack) GLP-1 Startup Willow’s Reckless Marketing Practices 

In a sharp takedown, Halle Tecco criticizes GLP-1 startup Willow for irresponsible and unethical advertising—highlighting false claims about rapid weight loss, encouraging muscle-wasting behaviors by dismissing exercise, promoting unrealistic “eat anything” messaging, and even using fake testimonials. While she supports GLP-1 therapies and digital health innovation, Tecco emphasizes that startups must prioritize safety, ethics, and truthful marketing to earn and maintain public trust. All Willow needs is a Ritalin prescription button to complete the sketchy telehealth starter pack. Full Article.

(UnitedHealthcare) Medicare Advantage Commissions Cut 

UnitedHealth Group will halt commission payments to brokers for enrolling new members in nearly 200 Medicare Advantage plans across 39 markets, signaling a major strategic retreat amid financial strain. The move comes after the insurer reported first-quarter losses, withdrew its earnings guidance, and saw a leadership shakeup, with the company also facing credit downgrades from Moody’s and S&P. Starting July 1, affected plans—mainly PPOs—will stop paying commissions for new enrollees, though renewals remain commission-eligible. Looks like without upcoding, UHC may be realizing there’s no pot of gold at the end of the Medicare Advantage rainbow—just paperwork and payment denials. Full Article