A deep dive into the emergence of knockoff versions of popular weight loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound. The podcast discusses the risks associated with these unapproved drugs from compounding pharmacies, the influence of social media influencers in promoting them, and the concerns around safety and regulation compared to FDA-approved medications.
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Quick takeaways
Compounded weight loss drugs lack FDA approval, raising safety concerns.
Compounding pharmacies face challenges in ensuring drug safety and quality for consumers.
Deep dives
The Rise of Compounding Pharmacies in the $1 Billion Weight Loss Drug Industry
The podcast discusses the increasing demand for weight loss drugs like Ozempic, Wagovi, and Monjaro, leading to a $1 billion shadow industry. Compounding pharmacies provide these drugs when mainstream pharmacies face shortages. These compounds may not always be approved by the FDA, raising concerns about safety and consistency. Patients often turn to telehealth companies promoting cheaper versions, leading to uncertainties about the drug's authenticity and effectiveness.
Regulatory Challenges and Safety Concerns with Compounded Medications
The safety of compounded weight loss drugs is questioned due to the lack of FDA approval and clinical trials. Compounded drugs are regulated by state laws, which focus on protocols and cleanliness rather than drug efficacy. Investigators have found unsterile conditions and some questionable practices at compounding pharmacies. Tracing adverse effects back to these compounds is challenging, making it hard to assess their safety and quality.
Industry Responses and Challenges Faced by Pharmaceutical Companies
Pharmaceutical companies like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly express concerns about compounding pharmacies selling potentially impure versions of their drugs. Lawsuits are filed against companies for marketing practices rather than drug safety. Despite the lawsuits, compounders play a role in addressing drug shortages, but distinguishing between high-quality and problematic pharmacies remains a challenge for consumers seeking safe medication.
Cheaper, knockoff versions of Ozempic, Wegovy and Zepbound are flooding the market, often promoted by telehealth companies in online ads and by influencers on TikTok and Instagram. These versions of the drugs are made by so-called compounding pharmacies, an obscure corner of America’s pharmaceutical market which makes drugs that aren’t approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
On today’s Big Take podcast, Bloomberg reporters Ike Swetlitz and Madison Muller tell host Sarah Holder about their investigation into a $1 billion shadow industry that could be putting Americans’ health in danger.