Quel Health Launches Telehealth Platform for GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Addiction Treatment
News related to:Quel Health, Inc · 2 min read
Quel Health, a newly launched telehealth company, has set a groundbreaking precedent by focusing on the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists for treating substance use disorders. The company, headquartered near Santa Fe, New Mexico, aims to expand access to evidence-informed care for individuals struggling with addiction and compulsive behaviors.
Founded by Marlene C. Lira, MPH, and Steven D. Klein, MD, PhD, Quel Health has developed a telemedicine platform that allows patients to connect with addiction experts from the comfort and privacy of their homes. The platform offers video evaluations, individualized treatment plans, and ongoing care through video visits, medication management, and health tracking. It also includes app-based messaging and support for patients.
The scientific basis for Quel Health’s approach is grounded in years of research. GLP-1 receptor agonists, originally developed for managing obesity, have shown promising results in reducing substance use and cravings. Multiple randomized controlled trials and retrospective analyses have suggested that these medications may hold potential for treating addiction. Over 50 clinical trials examining the efficacy of GLP-1 receptor agonists for substance use disorders are currently registered on ClinicalTrials.gov.
Steven D. Klein, MD, PhD, Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Quel Health, explained, "Addiction medicine has spent decades with a limited toolkit. GLP-1 receptor agonists represent a new class of medications that can act directly on the underlying reward circuitry. This is a significant step forward in treating substance use disorders."
Caron Treatment Centers, a long-standing nonprofit substance use treatment provider, has partnered with Quel Health as a Founding Strategic Partner. Caron’s commitment to advancing evidence-informed approaches to addiction treatment aligns with Quel Health’s mission. At Caron’s Pennsylvania and Florida campuses, Dr. Klein's team has been evaluating the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists in patients with substance use disorders.
Marlene C. Lira, Co-Founder and CEO of Quel Health, stated, "We live in a society where our dopamine networks are exploited for commercial gain. We believe that treating substance use disorders as separate diseases in separate clinics is incomplete. Our approach seeks to address the underlying neurobiology shared by various addictive behaviors."
As of today, Quel Health’s telemedicine platform is available in 41 states and the District of Columbia. The company plans to achieve national coverage by year-end. Through Caron’s role as a founding strategic partner, Quel Health and Caron intend to explore clinical protocols, research initiatives, professional education, and public awareness programs.
Quel Health’s launch marks a significant shift in how substance use disorders are treated, leveraging innovative scientific findings to offer a more holistic and integrated approach. The company’s focus on GLP-1 receptor agonists highlights the potential for repurposing existing medications to address complex health challenges.