Gerard Acloque, a doctor at The Florida Concierge Medicine & Wellness, expressed concerns over Eli Lilly's legal actions against compounding pharmacies and telehealth companies producing compounded Tirzepatide. He said these actions jeopardize access to cost-effective alternatives. This statement was made in a YouTube video.
"Lilly is actively reclaiming control of their wonder drug," said Acloque, according to YouTube. "They are now looking to reap the return on their investment. This sucks for those of us who were able to get quality compounded Tirzepatide. We are now left with very little options outside the branded medications, which are much more expensive than the compounded versions we have been accustomed to."
Eli Lilly has filed multiple lawsuits following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) declaration that tirzepatide is no longer in shortage. This decision effectively prohibits compounding pharmacies from continuing to produce these lower-cost alternatives. Critics argue that Eli Lilly's actions prioritize corporate profits over patient access to affordable medication, particularly given the high cost of branded versions like Zepbound and Mounjaro. According to NPR, this aggressive legal strategy has raised concerns about limiting treatment options for patients who rely on more affordable compounded medications.
The cost disparity between branded and compounded tirzepatide is significant. Branded versions such as Zepbound are priced at approximately $1,060 for a 28-day supply without insurance, translating to over $13,000 annually. In contrast, compounded versions have been available for as low as $399 per month through online providers. According to GoodRx and Orderly Meds, this stark price difference has made compounded tirzepatide a vital alternative for many seeking affordable treatment without comprehensive insurance coverage.
During declared shortages of GLP-1 receptor agonists like tirzepatide, compounded versions became crucial resources for patients. A KFF Health Tracking Poll from May 2024 found that 12% of U.S. adults reported having used a GLP-1 agonist, with usage rising to 43% among those diagnosed with diabetes. The availability of compounded medications provided necessary alternatives during times when branded drugs were scarce or unaffordable. According to the KFF Health Tracking Poll, compounded GLP-1 receptor agonists played a significant role during national shortages.
Dr. Gerard Acloque Jr., a board-certified internist and founder of Florida Concierge Medicine & Wellness in Hollywood, Florida, earned his medical degree from a university in Guadalajara, Mexico, and completed his Internal Medicine residency in Ponce, Puerto Rico, in 2016. He is trilingual and committed to increasing access to care through the Direct Primary Care model which emphasizes personalized healthcare.
Alerts Sign-up