In this article, the roughly $1,000 monthly cost of Eli Lilly’s weight loss drug Zepbound has made it unaffordable for Willow Baillies, 29, whose insurance does not cover it. Baillies, a human resources specialist from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has been struggling with weight loss and chronic autoimmune issues. She opted for a cheaper alternative – a compounded, off-brand version of tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Zepbound and Eli Lilly’s diabetes drug Mounjaro.
Baillies reported significant improvements in her health since starting the compounded tirzepatide, experiencing pain relief from autoimmune issues and losing about 52 pounds at a cost of around $350 per month. However, the FDA’s recent announcement that branded tirzepatide is no longer in short supply may hinder access to compounded versions in the near future.
Patients and experts fear that this decision could lead to challenges for those relying on compounded tirzepatide, potentially forcing them to stockpile doses, switch treatments, or face financial barriers to care. The FDA’s move aims to increase availability of Zepbound for patients with insurance coverage, reflecting Eli Lilly’s efforts to boost manufacturing for tirzepatide.
While this decision may benefit some patients, it leaves others in uncertainty, eliminating a market for compounded tirzepatide that filled a gap in care for those unable to afford Zepbound. The ongoing legal battle between the FDA and the Outsourcing Facilities Association adds to the confusion surrounding the future availability of compounded tirzepatide.
Patients like Amanda Bonello and Erin Hunt, who rely on compounded tirzepatide, are exploring alternatives due to the changing landscape. Bonello, who has seen positive results with compounded tirzepatide, may switch to compounded semaglutide, while Hunt is considering the branded version of tirzepatide. The potential scarcity of compounded tirzepatide poses challenges for patients like Jill Skala, who may lose an affordable option with the FDA’s decision.
Some patients may resort to unconventional methods like purchasing powdered peptides from vendors to self-administer, highlighting the desperation caused by limited access to obesity treatments. The fate of compounded tirzepatide remains uncertain for patients and providers, with potential implications for their ongoing care and treatment options.
