Overview

• A Washington Post review cited by multiple outlets found at least 15 telehealth firms and medical practices promoting tiny doses of GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide for longevity.
• Experts say there is virtually no published evidence that microdosing these medicines is safe or effective for extending lifespan, with cardiologist Eric Topol calling the practice an unsubstantiated craze.
• Researchers note standard, trial-tested doses can reduce inflammation and may protect the brain, but Daniel Drucker says it is unknown whether very small doses confer similar benefits.
• Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk report having no data on microdosing and warn about compounded or non–FDA-approved knock-offs, echoing FDA alerts that unapproved versions can be risky.
• There is no consensus on what qualifies as a microdose, cost and side-effect concerns are driving interest, compounding pharmacies remain a source despite supply recoveries, and drugmakers are pursuing lawsuits to curb mass-prescribed imitations.