In this episode of Fat Science, Dr. Emily Cooper, Andrea Taylor and Mark Wright take a comprehensive look at the current FDA-approved medications designed to treat metabolic dysfunction and what may be approved next.

Dr. Cooper discusses the range of factors that determine whether these essential drugs are available for those who need them. Government approval, drug company strategies and insurance company policies all play a role.

Key Takeaways:

Pharmaceutical Approval Process:

Pharmaceutical companies typically seek FDA approval for one drug indication at a time due to the high costs and extensive trial requirements.
Approval for obesity drugs is more stringent than for diabetes, involving costly and rigorous trials.

Rebranding Drugs for Accessibility:

Drugs like Liraglutide (originally Victoza for diabetes) are rebranded as Saxenda for obesity to bypass insurance coverage issues.
However, rebranding can create coverage gaps for weight-loss purposes, leaving some patients without access.

Insurance Coverage Challenges:

Insurance companies often limit coverage for these medications unless a patient has a diagnosed condition like type 2 diabetes.
Preventative benefits of metabolic medications are frequently overlooked by insurers, limiting broader access.

Risks with Compounded Medications:

Compounding pharmacies are creating untested versions of GLP-1 drugs to address affordability and shortages, raising safety concerns.

Future Developments in Metabolic Meds:

New potential drugs, such as a dual hormone agonist and high-dose semaglutide as a daily pill, show promise in improving metabolic health and accessibility.

Resources:

Connect with Dr. Emily Cooper on LinkedIn.
Connect with Mark Wright on LinkedIn.
Connect with Andrea Taylor on Instagram.

Fat Science is a podcast on a mission to explain where our fat really comes from and why it won’t go and stay away. We are committed to creating a world where people are empowered with accurate information about metabolism and recognize that fat isn’t a failure. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice.

If you have a question for Dr. Cooper, a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, email us at info@diabesityinstitute.org.

Fat Science is supported by the non-profit Diabesity Institute which is on a mission to increase access to effective, science-based medical care for those suffering from or at risk for diabesity. https://diabesityresearchfoundation.org/

The Final Four