Supply and Cost Challenges Persist for Popular Weight-Loss Drugs

Patients face difficulties accessing branded medications due to shortages and high prices, leading many to opt for compounded alternatives.

Demand for Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk's weight-loss drugs remains high despite supply chain issues and insurance hurdles.
Patients are increasingly turning to cheaper, compounded versions of these drugs, which are not covered by insurance and have uncertain safety profiles.
The FDA has allowed the production of compounded drugs to continue as it reassesses supply levels, despite removing some drugs from the shortage list.
Legal battles are ongoing between pharmaceutical companies and compounding pharmacies over the production of copycat drugs.
Recent FDA warnings highlight quality and safety concerns associated with compounded weight-loss medications.