US patients lose access to cheaper weight-loss drugs as market for replicas winds down

Summary

Pharmacies told to stop making custom versions of Wegovy and Zepbound after shortages declared officially over

Source: Financial Times

(0)

AI News Q&A (Free Content)

This content is freely available. No login required. Disclaimer: Following content is AI generated from various sources including those identified below. Always check for accuracy. No content here is an advice. Please use the contact button to share feedback about any inaccurate content generated by AI. We sincerely appreciate your help in this regard.

Q1: What are Wegovy and Zepbound, and how do they function in weight management?

A1: Wegovy is a brand name for semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist used for long-term weight management. It mimics the hormone GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite and food intake. Zepbound, on the other hand, is the brand name for tirzepatide, which acts as a gastric inhibitory polypeptide analog and GLP-1 receptor agonist. Both drugs are administered via subcutaneous injection and have shown efficacy in weight loss treatment, making them popular options for obesity management.

Q2: What recent developments have led to the halt in the production of custom versions of these drugs by pharmacies?

A2: The halt in the production of custom versions of Wegovy and Zepbound by pharmacies is due to the declared end of shortages for these medications. With the official announcement that the shortages are over, pharmacies have been instructed to stop creating compounded versions, which were previously allowed to address the supply gap. This decision reflects the improved availability of these drugs in the market.

Q3: What are the potential side effects of using GLP-1 receptor agonists like Wegovy and Zepbound?

A3: Common side effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists such as Wegovy and Zepbound include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, constipation, and abdominal discomfort. These side effects are generally mild to moderate and tend to decrease over time as the body adjusts to the medication. Nonetheless, patients are advised to consult healthcare providers to manage any adverse effects effectively.

Q4: How has the pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk contributed to the development of weight management drugs?

A4: Novo Nordisk, a Danish multinational pharmaceutical company, has been instrumental in the development of semaglutide, marketed as Wegovy for weight management. Known for its focus on diabetes care, Novo Nordisk has expanded its portfolio to include obesity treatment, leveraging its expertise in GLP-1 receptor agonists. The company continues to be a leader in producing medications that address chronic health conditions globally.

Q5: What scientific evidence supports the use of liraglutide in elderly patients for weight loss?

A5: A study published in 2025 evaluated the effectiveness of liraglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, in elderly obese patients. The study found significant weight loss percentages over 24 weeks, with all participants losing more than 5% of their initial weight. Liraglutide was shown to be both efficacious and safe, with nausea being the most common side effect and no cases of pancreatitis reported. This evidence supports the use of liraglutide as a viable option for treating obesity in older adults.

Q6: How does the US FDA's approval process impact the availability of weight-loss drugs like tirzepatide?

A6: The US FDA's approval process plays a critical role in determining the availability of weight-loss drugs such as tirzepatide. This process ensures that new medications meet rigorous safety and efficacy standards before reaching the market. Tirzepatide, branded as Zepbound for weight management, received FDA approval for weight loss in November 2023, indicating its compliance with these standards and making it accessible to patients seeking medical treatments for obesity.

Q7: What are the implications of pharmacies being directed to stop compounding weight-loss drugs for patients?

A7: The directive for pharmacies to stop compounding weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound signifies a shift back to reliance on commercially available products as shortages subside. This change may affect patients who previously depended on compounded versions due to availability issues. However, it also highlights the stabilization of drug supplies, ensuring that FDA-approved and standardized treatments are prioritized for patient safety and efficacy.

References:

Semaglutide - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semaglutide
Tirzepatide - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tirzepatide
Is liraglutide safe and effective in the elderly obese patients?: A single center experience.
An Acupoint Catgut-embedding Therapy for Treating Obesity.