the summary above is solid but I want to add legal context. The "essentially a copy" doctrine is being challenged in multiple federal courts right now. The Outsourcing Facilities Association filed suit arguing that compounded semaglutide using different salt forms (like semaglutide sodium vs. semaglutide base used in Ozempic) are NOT essentially copies.

This matters because if the courts agree, compounding could continue even after the shortage resolves. Several cases are working through the 5th Circuit right now.

Not legal advice, obviously. But worth tracking. ⚖️

So what happens to those of us currently on compounded sema if the shortage ends? Do we just... lose access? I can't afford $1,200/month for brand Wegovy. The compounded version is literally the only reason I can afford treatment.

if the shortage officially ends and the "essentially a copy" argument doesn't hold up in court, then yes — 503B facilities would have to stop producing compounded semaglutide. 503A pharmacies might still be able to compound it with a patient-specific prescription if they can argue a clinical difference (different concentration, combined with B12, etc.).

But realistically? The shortage isn't ending anytime soon. Novo Nordisk can't meet demand. Their own projections show supply constraints through at least mid-2026.

Don't panic yet.

Honestly, I think the FDA should shut ALL compounding pharmacies making GLP-1s. These are complex peptides that require sophisticated manufacturing. Your local compounding pharmacy making semaglutide in a back room is not the same as Novo Nordisk's billion-dollar manufacturing facility.

Patient safety should come first. Full stop.