When the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is approved Byetta (Exenatide) In 2005, doctors thought they were merely endorsing the first glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist to treat type 2 diabetes. However, this new drug class could treat many other issues.
GLP-1 agonists mimic the body’s inherent GLP-1, a hormone that stimulates insulin release, suppresses hormonal glucagon, slows down muscles that move food into the intestinal tract, and stimulates hormones that reduce appetite. GLP-1 Indirectly It slows down food movements through the stomach and intestines and increases satiety, leading to weight loss. Researchers quickly discovered them too DirectIt acts on the GLP-1 receptors in the brain to reduce appetite and craving. During clinical trials and post-approval monitoring, clinicians noticed that people with GLP-1 were losing weight.
Clinicians have begun prescribing GLP-1 Label off– SOON after seeing the weight loss effect of the drug, either for purposes or even with doses of specifically approved FDA. By 2014, the FDA approved the GLP-1 diabetes drug Viktuza (liraglutide) and treated obesity under a different brand name, Saxenda. Both brands contain the same drug, but dosing instructions differ. Since then, other pharmaceutical companies have followed the same strategy.
The manufacturer of GLP-1 Ozempic (Semaglutide) has made the FDA approve the same drug at a different dose under the name Wegovy to treat obesity. The FDA then allowed the makers of Murjaro (Tilzepatide) to sell it as a zepbound for weight loss. By obtaining FDA approval for these branded products, drugmakers can use existing patent laws to expand their exclusivity to new adaptations. It also makes it easier to secure insurance coverage.
***
Clinicians and clinical researchers learned more about the direct effects of GLP-1 on food cravings, so they tried to find out whether it would help reduce cravings for other substances and perhaps help people with substance use disorders.
A 2023 study found that GLP-1 drugs are also used to lose weight There’s less alcohol. Recently, a co-authored study by the National Institute on Drug Abuse Director Nora Volkow suggested that GLP-1 agonists could be useful. Prevents recurrence For people with alcohol use disorders. Together, these findings suggest that drugs may be possible Reduces alcohol cravings.
Volkow and colleagues published a study in 2024 suggesting that GLP-1 may reduce the desire to consume Cannabis. There is anecdotal evidence they might cut nicotine desire.
There is Appearance evidence GLP-1 can reduce cravings as well Opioids. If so, GLP-1 could supplement or replace methadone and buprenorphine in some circumstances two proven drug therapies for opioid use disorders. Even when working with methadone or buprenorphine, it can reduce the patient’s dose requirements and dependence.
Even more exciting, there is early evidence that GLP-1 may reduce cravings Stimulants Like cocaine and Methamphetamine. Currently, there are no medications for stimulant use disorders.
Some researchers are currently considering whether GLP-1 can be reduced Compulsive actionsincluding forced gambling.
GLP-1 is not without risk. In addition to common side effects such as nausea and diarrhea, these drugs can cause inflammation of the pancreas and, in very rare cases, are associated with rare forms of thyroid cancer in people with genetic predisposition.
***
As explained in my book Your body, your health care, In 1951, Congress gave the exclusive power of the FDA to decide which drug manufacturers could sell counters (OTCs), and which drugs could be purchased on prescriptions. Before that law, manufacturers made those decisions. If you believe that the drug is too complicated or at a high risk of misuse, you choose to sell in some solely by prescription to protect yourself from liability.
If Congress removes FDA monopoly The ability to request a prescriptionabout 20 years after the GLP-1 came onto the market, competition with new brands could encourage some manufacturers of GLP-1 products to sell counters.
Ibuprofen is risk of kidney damage, hypertension, ulcers, and cardiovascular events. The FDA approved ibuprofen as a prescription drug in 1974. Ten years later, we removed the obstacles to those who buy it at the counter. If an adult is capable of purchasing and using ibuprofen with proper labeling instructions in 10 years, why can’t GLP-1 be used in proper labeling instructions in 20 years?
Imagine how people will benefit if you can buy a GLP-1 at the counter. Drugs tend to be dramatically cheaper if OTC is available. Prescription drugs usually carry a higher price tag than OTC products. This is mainly because insurance covers prescriptions, but not OTC purchases. When people pay from their pockets, they look for better deals. This puts pressure on companies to compete for prices. Once insurance takes over costs, shoppers will stop paying attention to prices and drugmakers can charge more deep, out-of-pocket third-party payers without worrying about losing customers.
If people are worried, I think they may be drinking too much alcohol, using too much cannabis, or getting obsessed with opioids, meta, or cocaine, but isn’t it great to be able to simply buy GLP-1 on COUNTER? In this way, if the effect of GLP-1 occurs in these regions, the use of the substance can be reduced to a safe level personally and carefully without facing stigma.
Removing FDA’s formulation pharmacy restrictions until adults can take these medications on the counter can go a long way in making GLP-1 cheaper. Under Food, Drugs and Cosmetic Acts and their Modifications of 1938, the pharmacist who formulates can manufacture and sell products to consumers Without FDA approval requiredAs long as FDA approved materials are used from licensed facilities. But the FDA has banned pharmacies from creating drugs.”I essentially copy“Commercially available – this restriction will be lifted during a serious product shortage.
After the FDA approved Wegovy for weight loss, demand for this and other GLP-1s skyrocketed, resulting in a shortage of FDA-approved brands. In late 2022, the FDA declared shortages in Zepbound, Wegovy and other GLP-1, allowing compounding pharmacies to make essential copies. These pharmacies have helped to increase patient access to these effective drugs at a significantly lower price than commercially manufactured versions.
In February 2025, the FDA announced that there was a shortage.”It’s resolved“This means consumers will return Pay more For commercially available products. A higher price may force some people to stop taking the drug completely. Compound pharmacies are investigating alternatives, including creating products with different doses and delivery systems than those used in over-the-counter drugs.
One way to improve the situation is for Congress to remove pharmacies that remove FDA barriers. This is creating a pharmacy that creates products that are copies of commercial off-rare products.
Imagine a future where the GLP-1 is easily accessible. This can be accessed through thrus of pharmacies or thrus, concoctions of OTC options, providing hope and healing for millions of people. For those fighting obesity and substance use disorders, these drugs can be life-changing tools to regain health and opportunities. To achieve that future, bold policy decisions that lift unnecessary restrictions and provide transformative care within reach of all.
This article was originally printed under the heading “Enjoy the full potential of GLP-1”
