Obagi Medical and VIO Med Spa Announce Collaboration in the ALOHA Program to Drive Real-World Evidence for Obagi® saypha® MagIQ™
Rhea-AI Summary
Obagi Medical (NASDAQ: WALD) announced a collaboration with VIO Med Spa as a launch partner in the ALOHA Program to generate real-world evidence for Obagi® saypha® MagIQ™. The multi-site program will collect standardized clinical and patient-experience data across VIO’s national franchise and begin with 2 days of expert-led VIO University training.
The initiative combines Obagi protocols with VIO’s injectable expertise to evaluate performance, usability, and patient outcomes for the MACRO Core Technology hyaluronic acid filler.
Positive
- Multi-site real-world evaluation across VIO Med Spa’s national franchise
- Standardized data collection to assess clinical performance and patient experience
- Program launch includes 2 days of immersive expert-led VIO University training
Negative
- None.
News Market Reaction
On the day this news was published, WALD gained 13.48%, reflecting a significant positive market reaction. Argus tracked a peak move of +13.8% during that session. Our momentum scanner triggered 11 alerts that day, indicating notable trading interest and price volatility. This price movement added approximately $29M to the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $243M at that time. Trading volume was elevated at 2.0x the daily average, suggesting notable buying interest.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
Sector peers show mixed moves: some up (e.g., EWCZ, GROV), others down (e.g., ACU, DSY), with scanner activity limited to DSY moving up. This points to a stock-specific context for WALD rather than a broad sector move.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 28 | ALOHA collaboration | Positive | -5.7% | Next Health partnership to gather real-world ALOHA and MagIQ evidence. |
| Jan 27 | ALOHA collaboration | Positive | -4.6% | Alpha Aesthetic Partners chosen for multi-site MagIQ evaluation network. |
| Jan 26 | ALOHA partnership | Positive | +0.6% | Platinum Dermatology named initial ALOHA launch partner for MagIQ. |
| Jan 21 | Program launch | Positive | +6.9% | ALOHA program unveiled to support launch of Obagi® saypha® MagIQ™. |
| Nov 24 | Earnings/update | Negative | -6.5% | Q2/H1 2025 results with large goodwill impairments and strategic actions. |
Recent Obagi ALOHA and MagIQ-related announcements have often seen muted or negative next-day moves despite positive strategic content, while more clearly mixed earnings news aligned with a negative reaction.
Over the past few months, Waldencast has focused on Obagi Medical’s ALOHA rollout and its new Obagi® saypha® MagIQ™ filler. Multiple collaborations with partners like Platinum Dermatology, Alpha Aesthetic Partners, and Next Health have expanded real-world evaluation sites. The initial ALOHA launch on Jan 21, 2026 drew a positive price reaction, while subsequent partnership updates saw weaker follow-through. Earlier, Q2/H1 2025 results highlighted sizable impairments and strategic portfolio moves.
Market Pulse Summary
The stock surged +13.5% in the session following this news. A strong positive reaction aligns with Waldencast’s strategy of expanding Obagi® saypha® MagIQ™ through the ALOHA real-world program. Prior ALOHA announcements on Jan 21–28, 2026 produced mixed price follow-through, suggesting enthusiasm can fade without broader catalysts. Investors may weigh this collaboration alongside earlier partnerships and the stock’s position below its 200-day MA at $2.11 when assessing durability.
Key Terms
hyaluronic acid medical
injectables medical
real-world evidence medical
crosslinking technologies medical
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
VIO Med Spa selected as a key med spa franchise partner for its commitment to clinical excellence, innovation, and nationwide scalable aesthetic care
NEW YORK and STRONGSVILLE, Ohio, Jan. 30, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Obagi Medical, a leading innovator in physician-dispensed skincare and aesthetic solutions and part of Waldencast plc (NASDAQ: WALD) (“Waldencast” or the “Company”), today announced VIO Med Spa as a launch partner for the Aesthetics Leadership with Obagi’s Hyaluronic Acid (ALOHA) Program. VIO Med Spa was selected for its rapid growth, expert-led approach to advanced aesthetic treatments, and dedication to delivering high-quality, results-driven care across its expanding national network of locations.
Through this real-world evaluation collaboration, VIO Med Spa will conduct a structured, multi-site assessment of Obagi® saypha® MagIQ™ across its practices. The program will leverage VIO Med Spa’s strengths in innovative injectables, personalized wellness protocols, and patient-focused education to generate robust real-world evidence on the filler’s performance in diverse, high-volume aesthetic environments.
“At VIO Med Spa, we’re committed to elevating aesthetic medicine through clinical excellence, innovation, and exceptional patient outcomes,” said Dr. Alan Durkin, Chief Medical Officer of VIO Med Spa. “Obagi’s ALOHA Program perfectly aligns with our mission by emphasizing real-world data and integrated skincare-injectable protocols. This partnership allows us to contribute meaningful insights that enhance results for our patients and advance the industry as a whole.”
The ALOHA Program evaluates both clinical performance and patient experience while providing providers with comprehensive Obagi protocols to boost satisfaction, build lasting relationships, and achieve consistent, high-quality outcomes. Standardized data will be collected across participating VIO Med Spa locations. The program kicks off at the upcoming VIO University program which includes 2 days of immersive expert led training for the VIO network of practices.
“Partnering with a dynamic, growth-oriented leader like VIO Med Spa reinforces Obagi’s commitment to launching aesthetics solutions grounded in authentic, practice-based evidence,” said Drew Fine, U.S. General Manager, Professional Channel. “The ALOHA collaboration with VIO Med Spa brings together clinical expertise, operational scale, and a shared passion for transformative patient care across the evolving med spa landscape.”
Obagi® saypha® MagIQ™, developed by Croma-Pharma GmbH, utilizes proprietary MACRO Core Technology to create a stable three-dimensional hyaluronic acid matrix. The technology is designed to deliver natural-looking results with category-leading performance, including high usable HA content upon injection, consistent gel distribution, and a predictable injection force and swelling profile¹.
For more information about ALOHA, visit https://obagi-professional.com.
About Obagi Medical
Obagi Medical is an industry-leading, advanced skincare line rooted in research and skin biology, with a legacy of 35+ years of experience. Initially known for its leadership in the treatment of hyperpigmentation with the Obagi Nu-Derm® System, Obagi Medical products are designed to address a variety of skin concerns, including premature aging, photodamage, skin discoloration, acne, and sun damage. As the fastest-growing professional skincare brand in the U.S. in 2024,² Obagi Medical empowers individuals to achieve healthy, beautiful skin. More information about Obagi Medical is available on the brand's website, https://www.obagi.com.
About VIO Med Spa
VIO Med Spa is a nationally recognized, award-winning franchise of full-service medical spas specializing in advanced aesthetic and wellness treatments, including injectables, skin rejuvenation, body contouring, facials, and more. With dozens of locations nationwide and a focus on clinical excellence and patient safety, VIO Med Spa delivers innovative, results-oriented care led by expert providers. For more information, visit www.viomedspa.com.
About Waldencast plc
Founded by Michel Brousset and Hind Sebti, Waldencast’s ambition is to build a global best-in-class beauty and wellness operating platform by developing, acquiring, accelerating, and scaling conscious, high-growth purpose-driven brands. Waldencast’s vision is fundamentally underpinned by its brand-led business model that ensures proximity to its customers, business agility, and market responsiveness, while maintaining each brand’s distinct DNA. For more information please visit: https://ir.waldencast.com.
Media Contact:
obagi@behrmancesa.com
Source: Waldencast plc
¹ Puljic A, Frank K, Cohen J, Otto K, Mayr J, Hugh-Bloch A, Kuroki-Hasenöhrl, D. A Scientific Framework for Comparing Hyaluronic Acid Filler Crosslinking Technologies. Gels. 2025; 11(7):487
² Among the Top 10 Professional Skin Care Brands in the U.S., According to Kline’s 2024 Global Professional Skin Care Series (China, Europe and the U.S.)
FAQ
What is the ALOHA Program announced by Obagi Medical (WALD)?
Why was VIO Med Spa chosen as a launch partner for Obagi’s ALOHA Program (WALD)?
How will Obagi® saypha® MagIQ™ be evaluated in the ALOHA collaboration (WALD)?
When does the ALOHA Program with VIO Med Spa start and what training is included (WALD)?
What technology does Obagi® saypha® MagIQ™ use and what performance features are claimed (WALD)?
How can clinicians learn more or participate in Obagi’s ALOHA Program (WALD)?
