And even with the discounted prices, it's expensive if the insurance isn't covering it
Core Comparison: Small molecules lead in convenience and cost efficiency, but face drawbacks including harsher gastrointestinal side effects, unvalidated long-term safety profiles, and limited multi-target development potential
Ueda P, Soderling J, Wintzell V, Svanstrom H, Pazzagli L, Eliasson B, et al
They contain the same active pharmaceutical ingredient and meet strict quality and potency standards when prepared by a licensed 503B pharmacy
Assuming higher participation rates ranging from 50% to 75%, the cost to Medicare would be between $6.7 billion and $10 billion
GLP-1 is mainly produced in the enteroendocrine L cells located in the distal intestine exerting its effects through binding to the GLP-1 receptors (GLP-1R) expressed in the pancreas, heart, blood vessels, gastrointestinal tract (GIT), kidney, lung, breast, and central nervous system [11],[12]