Over the past two years, semaglutide and tirzepatide—the active ingredients in Wegovy®, Ozempic®, Zepbound®, and Mounjaro®—have transformed the treatment landscape for obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic health. But global demand quickly outpaced supply, leading to widespread shortages that left patients and providers searching for alternatives.
As of spring 2025, those shortages have largely been resolved. So what’s next?
This article breaks down what patients and providers need to know now that branded GLP-1 medications are back on pharmacy shelves—and explores the future of obesity treatments including amylin analogues and the upcoming triple agonist Retatrutide.
✅ Branded GLP-1 Medications Are Back
The following FDA-approved GLP-1 medications are now available in most major pharmacy chains:
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Wegovy® (semaglutide for weight loss)
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Ozempic® (semaglutide for type 2 diabetes)
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Zepbound® (tirzepatide for weight loss)
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Mounjaro® (tirzepatide for type 2 diabetes)
These medications offer proven weight loss and blood sugar control, and they remain the clinical gold standard. Coverage options may include:
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Commercial insurance (with prior authorization)
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Savings cards or manufacturer programs
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Cash pay pharmacies and specialty distribution
⚠️ What About Compounded Semaglutide or Tirzepatide?
During the nationwide shortages, many patients relied on compounded versions of GLP-1 medications—particularly semaglutide and tirzepatide. These were offered by licensed 503A and 503B compounding pharmacies during a time when commercial products were not reliably available.
However, as of 2025, the FDA has removed both semaglutide and tirzepatide from the official Drug Shortage List.This means that, under federal law:
💡 Compounding of these medications is no longer permitted except in rare, specific cases where a prescriber can document that the FDA-approved version is not clinically appropriate for a particular patient.
Compounded versions should not be used simply due to preference or cost when an approved drug is available and medically appropriate.
🧠 That said, when these rare exceptions do apply, safety and quality matter more than ever.
If a provider determines that a compounded version is medically necessary, it’s critical that:
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The pharmacy is PCAB-accredited and state-licensed for sterile compounding
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APIs (active pharmaceutical ingredients) are sourced from FDA-registered suppliers
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The compounding facility follows strict USP <797> sterile protocols
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Marketing is compliant—no pharmacy should be promoting “generic Ozempic” or similar misleading terms
📣 Patients and providers should work only with compounding pharmacies that meet the highest legal, clinical, and safety standards. When compounded therapy is used appropriately, it can still be a powerful option under physician supervision.
📉 Older GLP-1s: Liraglutide and Dulaglutide Still Have a Role—But with Limitations
Medications like Saxenda® (liraglutide) and Trulicity® (dulaglutide) remain available, and some providers continue to use them in clinical protocols. However, their effectiveness may be limited compared to semaglutide and tirzepatide.
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Require more frequent dosing (daily or weekly)
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Provide less appetite suppression and weight loss
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Tend to plateau earlier in treatment
That said, they may still be useful for:
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Cost-conscious patients
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Those unable to tolerate newer medications
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Combination therapies with other agents
🔬 What’s Next? Retatrutide, Amylin Analogues & Protocol Innovation
Exciting developments in the next generation of obesity medications include:
🔹 Retatrutide (GLP-1 / GIP / Glucagon Triple Agonist)
Currently in clinical trials, Retatrutide is showing promising results in both weight loss and metabolic improvement—outperforming even tirzepatide in early studies. It targets:
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GLP-1 for appetite regulation
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GIP for insulin sensitivity and nutrient uptake
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Glucagon for increased energy expenditure
🔹 Semaglutide + Amylin Combo (In Development)
An injectable drug combining semaglutide + an amylin analogue is in development, designed to replicate the synergistic hormonal effects of satiety, glucose control, and energy regulation.
🔹 Pramlintide + GLP-1 Custom Protocols
Some providers are beginning to explore off-label combinations of:
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GLP-1 medications (like liraglutide or dulaglutide)
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Pramlintide, an FDA-approved injectable amylin analogue
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Nutraceuticals that support endogenous GIP or GLP-1 effects (like SLM+)
These strategies are currently being studied in real-world clinical environments and may offer enhanced results when newer medications aren’t available or accessible.
📌 Final Thoughts
The resolution of the GLP-1 shortage is a welcome relief for many—but it’s also an opportunity to reassess patient strategies and adopt more individualized, informed protocols.
📄 Disclosures & Disclaimers
Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a licensed provider before starting or changing any therapy.
FDA Disclosure: Some therapies mentioned, including compounded medications or nutraceutical protocols, are not FDA-approved. Use under medical supervision only.
Research Disclosure: STAAR LABS collaborates with licensed pharmacies and providers to research emerging strategies in metabolic health. We welcome additional clinical partners for ongoing protocol development.
