Compounded glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists for weight loss: the direct-to-consumer market in Colorado
Michael J. DiStefano, Mouna Dardouri, Gina D. Moore, Joseph J. Saseen, Kavita V. Nair
Abstract
Background: High prices and other access barriers have contributed to the rise of a market for compounded glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists for weight loss in the United States. This market has not been systematically studied. We conducted a pilot study to assess the prevalence, characteristics, and advertising content of direct-to-consumer providers of compounded glucagon-like peptide-1 products for weight loss in Colorado. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of websites advertising compounded glucagon-like peptide-1 products for weight loss in Colorado. Websites were identified using Google searches focused on census-defined statistical areas. Searches were conducted between March 21 and April 12, 2024. Data collected from websites included physical addresses, business type, highest reported staff credential, advertised glucagon-like peptide-1 products, whether businesses referred to Food and Drug Administration approval when describing products, and whether businesses referred to products as 'generic'. Results: We identified 93 business websites advertising compounded glucagon-like peptide-1 products for weight loss corresponding to 188 physical locations throughout Colorado. Most businesses were self-categorized as medical/health spas (33/93) or weight loss services (26/93). Advertised products included semaglutide (92/93), tirzepatide (40/93), liraglutide (2/93), and retatrutide (1/93). Advertised combination products included B vitamins (8/93), levocarnitine (1/93), mannitol (1/93), BPC-157 (1/93), and glycine (1/93). Seven websites advertised oral formulations. Additionally, 41/93 websites referred to Food and Drug Administration approval in their descriptions of compounded products and 5/93 referred to products as 'generic'. Conclusion: This study identified several instances of unapproved glucagon-like peptide-1 products being compounded and advertised in Colorado. Additionally, 1 product was advertised as compounded with BPC-157, a substance determined by the Food and Drug Administration to be unsafe for compounding. This study also identified numerous examples of misleading claims regarding the regulatory status of compounded glucagon-like peptide-1 products. Regulatory action is needed to ensure the benefits of compounded GLP-1 products outweigh the risks.