Ciba Health has launched the GLP-1 Step-Down Program, described as the first national offering designed to guide people off popular weight loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. The New York-based digital health platform aims to address gaps in care for patients seeking to transition off GLP-1 medications while maintaining metabolic health improvements.
The physician-led program helps members avoid GLP-1 medications entirely or safely taper off them by addressing root causes of metabolic dysfunction including gut and hormone imbalances, inflammation, and cellular energy issues. Ciba Health reports achieving an 85% reduction rate in GLP-1 utilization through its approach.
A 2025 analysis by The Validation Institute found Ciba Health’s platform delivered a 44% reduction in annual prescription drug spending, saving $5.3 million in medication costs and achieving 1.18x ROI within 12 months. The study validated the financial impact of the company’s root-cause approach to metabolic health management.
“GLP-1s offer a ‘window of opportunity’ to give people a break from the mental stress that often comes with making health changes, but avoiding GLP-1 side effects, and achieving lasting health outcomes requires addressing the root causes driving metabolic imbalances,” said Dr. Markyia Nichols, Chief Medical Officer of Ciba Health.
The program addresses challenges patients face when discontinuing GLP-1 medications, including weight regain, metabolic slowdown, and hormonal fluctuations, often without medical guidance. While GLP-1s can jumpstart progress, Ciba argues the medications don’t resolve underlying metabolic dysfunctions that lead to weight gain or elevated A1C levels.
Each member works with a dedicated care team including physicians, registered dietitians, and health coaches. The platform uses five times more laboratory tests than typical medical practice, combined with real-time data from continuous glucose monitors, smart scales, blood pressure monitors, and fitness trackers to identify drivers of insulin resistance.
“I often say that if you’re on a certain medication for longer than two weeks, you haven’t identified the root cause of the issue,” said Dr. Nichols. “Even if a GLP-1 medication is bringing someone’s A1C down, they can still be insulin resistant.”
The program supports gradual, data-driven medication tapering designed to rebuild the body’s natural ability to regulate weight and metabolism. Ciba Health reports that patients using its platform experience 90% symptom improvements and 85% reduction in overall medication use.
The Step-Down Program is available at no cost to employees whose employers offer Ciba Health as a benefit, and to members of select health plans and health systems. Consumers can also purchase the offering directly, which includes individual care team appointments, advanced biomarker testing, wearable devices, and personalized protocols.
