Launchit Solutions is leveraging breakthrough technology and clinically validated innovations to bring effective healthcare solutions to patients, with a focus on obesity management, support programs, life science innovations, and technical health solutions.
“We are not about research and development—we partner with doctors and scientists who have clinically validated innovations but aren’t interested in becoming entrepreneurs themselves. Launchit Solutions takes on the role of commercializing these innovations and ensuring their success,” Jamie Harsevoort, co-founder and CEO of Launchit Solutions, says in an interview with BioTuesdays.
While the company’s portfolio spans software, medical devices, and clinical protocols across the life sciences, Mr. Harsevoort emphasizes that their current priority is tackling one of the most pressing global health challenges—obesity.
“One in three Canadians lives with obesity, which is typical for many countries around the world—and in some countries the prevalence is even greater,” he contends. “It’s a massive, multi-billion-dollar market, and Launchit Solutions is strategically positioned at the heart of it, with the demand for effective solutions skyrocketing.”
Obesity costs the Canadian healthcare system an estimated $5.9 billion annually. In the U.S., obesity-related medical costs reached approximately $173 billion in 2019.
To address this challenge, Launchit Solutions is expanding its core initiative internationally. The Medical Weight Management Center of Canada (MWM) program is a physician-led virtual obesity clinic providing patients the care and behavioral support they need to achieve their best weight and live healthy lives.
“MWM medical directors Dr. Megha Poddar, MD FRCPC, ABOM, and Dr. David Macklin, MD, CCFP, are internationally recognized obesity experts and co-authors of the Canadian Adult Obesity Clinical Practice Guidelines,” Mr. Harsevoort notes. “They’ve led global efforts to reframe obesity as a treatable chronic disease and are committed to compassionate, scientifically grounded care. Our patient support program provides access to medication, dieticians, behavior-change strategies, and ongoing virtual support—all from the comfort of the patient’s home.”
In Canada, MWM has partnered with Shoppers Drug Mart, the nation’s largest pharmacy chain. Following a successful pilot in Alberta, the program will roll out nationally to 1300 pharmacies this year. Through this collaboration, pharmacists can refer patients to the MWM program to help them navigate their weight loss journey with patient support programs. Through Shoppers Drug Mart, MWM is covered by provincial healthcare or private insurance.
“Now that we’ve proven the model in Canada, we’re scaling globally starting with the U.S., Brazil, Europe, and the Middle East,” Mr. Harsevoort says. Launchit Solutions has recently signed an agreement with a U.S.-based pharmacy and expects to launch its American rollout later this year, with a similar initiative underway in Brazil.
“The MWM program is a strong international offering. Drs. Poddar and Macklin are globally respected in obesity treatment. We’re not offering a ‘magic pill’ solution—this is a clinically backed, behavioral support program that is a standalone treatment or complements weight loss medication, depending on the patient’s needs.”
Additionally, Launchit Solutions operates virtual patient support programs for Novo Nordisk (CPH: NOVO-B), supporting patients prescribed Ozempic and Wegovy for obesity and diabetes. These programs provide licensed healthcare professionals who deliver education, coaching, and adherence support to improve patient outcomes.
“We help break down the barriers to prescribing and improve adherence through ongoing guidance. Obesity is still heavily stigmatized, and traditional healthcare systems aren’t structured to provide the long-term behavioral support many patients need to achieve long-term success.”
Early data shows MWM is delivering powerful outcomes. Launched in March 2023, the program now has nearly two years of data. On average, patients lose 20.8 lbs in their first six months—a marked improvement over the 12 lbs reported by a leading competitor without a behavioral support component.
“But it’s not just about weight loss numbers,” Mr. Harsevoort explains. “What’s even more exciting is all of the health benefits that patients who go through our program experience, including the positive impact on cardiovascular health, metabolic improvements, increased confidence, and both mental and physical health improvements. It’s just fantastic for these patients.”
According to Mr. Harsevoort, two key factors are driving MWM’s success. “First, behavioral support works—it is a very big asset to the patient journey—in fact 20% of our patients will choose to follow the behavioral support program alone, without taking prescribed medication for weight loss. So, we have a significant number of individuals who are achieving their weight loss goals strictly with behavioral support. The remaining 80% combine behavioral support with GLP-1 medication.”
“Secondly, our patients have a 95% medication adherence rate—that’s almost triple the adherence to medication when compared to patients that are prescribed a GLP-1 without behavioral support. Real-world evidence shows us that only about 30% of patients will remain on a GLP-1 medication after six months—if it’s prescribed for obesity.”
He adds that MWM fills a critical healthcare gap. “Demand for the management of weight loss journeys is strong because it’s beneficial to multiple parties— pharmaceutical companies that need scalable outpatient care solutions, physicians looking for trusted referral options, insurers seeking long-term cost reductions, and most importantly, patients who want to take control of their health.”
Mr. Harsevoort highlights that the key to success lies in shifting the narrative around obesity. “When you treat obesity as a medical condition—through behavioral support, medication when appropriate, and clinical care—you get results. Telling people to just eat less doesn’t work. Patients need a proactive, personalized plan and a support system behind them.”
“When you treat obesity as a medical condition… you get results.”
Jamie Harsevoort, Co-founder and CEO of Launchit Solutions
He concludes with a broader vision, “Obesity has long been marginalized—treated in the wellness industry or left to fringe solutions. We’re changing that. Our model is rooted in science, run by physicians, and integrated into the healthcare system. That’s how we create meaningful, lasting change. We already have cardiologists referring patients because they see the impact. When you reduce obesity, you reduce co-morbidities—hypertension, heart disease, kidney disease, arthritis, for example—it all improves when patients are supported.”
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