Frequently asked questions to the 2023 obesity medicine association position statement on compounded peptides: A call for action

Abstract

Background: In 2023, the Obesity Medicine Association (OMA) published "Compounded peptides: An Obesity Medicine Association Position Statement." Since this publication, the use of compounded peptides for the treatment of obesity has continued to evolve, leading to additional confusion and questions from obesity medicine clinicians and their patients.

Methods: This frequently asked questions (FAQ) document and "Call for Action" commentary is based upon the existing evidence and practical clinical experiences of the authors.

Results: This FAQ is intended to provide insights beyond the original 2023 OMA Position Statement regarding the use of "compounded peptides" for treating obesity. Three obstacles impair patient access to highly effective peptide anti-obesity medications: insufficient production especially during times of high demand, high costs, and lack of clarity surrounding the role of compounded peptides. Solutions to enhance patient access to these medications lie within the existing legal and regulatory framework and Food and Drug Administration policies. Implementing these solutions necessitates dispelling misinformation and providing clear guidance on the appropriate prescribing and administration of compounded peptides, particularly during times of acknowledged shortage.

Conclusion: Among stakeholders with aligned priorities, challenges can often be overcome by collaboration and communication. Towards the goal of providing patient-centered care, the OMA calls on applicable stakeholders (e.g., pharmaceutical companies, compounding pharmacy organizations, health insurance companies, and the Food and Drug Administration) to work collaboratively to achieve a consensus that improves patient access to safe anti-obesity medications. The purpose of this "Call to Action" is to ask stakeholders to provide clinicians and their patients clarity regarding the role of compounded peptide anti-obesity medications during times of FDA-acknowledged shortages. Finally, this FAQ review provides clinicians with a simple and practical checklist respective to the potential use of compounded peptides.

Keywords: Compounded peptides; GLP-RA; Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist; Obesity.

Graphical abstract

Fig. 1

Universal priority regarding patient access to safe and effective anti-obesity medications. A priority shared by clinicians, compounding pharmacists, pharmaceutical companies, and the Food and Drug Administration should be to ensure that patients have access to safe and effective anti-obesity medications, even during (temporary) times of drug shortage.

Fig. 2

Illustrative stakeholders integral to establishing clear guidelines for use of compounded peptides, such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA).