More Than A Shot
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) therapies have shown strong results in managing type 2 diabetes and obesity. The results have led to a rise in popularity and demand as healthcare providers struggle to keep up. At the same time, injectables do not work for everyone. Some patients find injectable forms of GLP-1 inconvenient, while others will prefer alternatives for long-term use. Compounding pharmacies have come to the forefront with innovative ways to support GLP-1 patients. By offering a range of alternative applications, patients still receive consistent therapy. Pharmacies also meet demand while improving the patient experience.
Creams, troches and tailored tabs
Some patients are concerned that the medication is only available in injectable form. Taking medication consistently in injectable form can be distressing for some patients. Others may have challenges with administering the medication correctly and need an easier, more convenient form. Pharmacists can now create innovative formats with compounding. Oral and topical formulations can produce the same results without the concerns of using needles. Transdermal patches or tailored tablets can slowly release the medication. Pharmacies are constantly reviewing ways to provide alternatives in forms that are more convenient.
Sustained release formulations
Patients searching for improved convenience can benefit from compounding applications that aim for sustained release. Recent advancements include the development of long-lasting, sustained release (SR) options. These special formulas can create a controlled drug release without a lag phase. Sustained release GLP-1 enables once-weekly or even once-monthly dosing, improving patient adherence and reducing injection frequency. Patients who experience side effects or allergens can reduce the unpleasant downsides of using the medication. These sustained-release options may be available in non-injectable forms in the future.
Personalized compounding for you
Compounding has become an integral part of meeting the needs of GLP-1 patients. There are now pharmacies that create personalized GLP-1 solutions to better serve patients. Small molecule forms of GLP-1 are being designed to overcome common side effects of peptide drugs like gastrointestinal distress. By modifying specific molecular groups, the drug remains potent while having the potential to be converted to other forms. Compounding can alter dose strengths or convert the drug to a liquid form to address swallowing difficulties. Removing allergens and inactive ingredients makes non-injectable forms more palatable. While effective, these forms are not Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved, so safety and careful sourcing of ingredients are essential.
Expanding access
Perhaps the most significant application of compounding for GLP-1 lies in expanding access to more patients. Statistics show that 1 in 10 Americans have type 2 diabetes, and 2 in 5 are classified as obese. Surveys also show that up to 35% of Americans are willing to take GLP-1. The growing demand for GLP-1 drugs indicates a significant market gap. Pharmacies and other supplies constantly struggle to meet demand. Compounding pharmacies can fill those gaps by creating an off-brand alternative that is just as effective. By sourcing the best ingredients available, these pharmacies can formulate small batches to fill immediate needs and custom forms for individual requirements.
Future-focused solutions
GLP-1 medications are effective therapies for managing type 2 diabetes and obesity. The success of the medicine means more patients need access. The challenge lies, however, in the injectable form. Compounding helps to meet these obstacles by creating more manageable forms. From converting to oral forms to creating sustained-release options, compounding pharmacies are becoming major players in establishing new applications of GLP-1.
