Biden’s Final Gesture to Big Pharma Drives Up GLP-1 Prices

Time is running out: In just two weeks, millions of Americans may find themselves without access to the affordable medication that is crucial for their weight loss and health improvement.

I can attest to that firsthand.

As his administration drew to a close, President Biden’s Food and Drug Administration quietly declared an end to the “shortage” of tirzepatide, a highly sought-after GLP-1 medication.

This decision means that starting March 19, safe and lower-cost alternatives will be pulled from the market, leading to a dramatic increase in Big Pharma’s profits.

When Dr. Marty Makary, President Trump’s nominee for FDA commissioner, faces the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee for his confirmation hearing on Thursday, this urgent issue should be included in the discussion.

While ending a shortage might sound positive, how is this decision detrimental to Americans?

First and foremost, it’s important to realize that Biden’s unilateral decision hasn’t altered the underlying reality: The tirzepatide shortage, which has surged in demand over the past couple of years, remains intact.

However, without official acknowledgment of this shortage, pharmacies will be barred from offering alternative, lower-cost compounded versions of the medication, leading to soaring prices for consumers.

Patients currently able to access compounded versions of the drug for approximately $350 a month will be forced to pay around $1,000 a month for the brand name versions, Mounjaro or Zepbound, which insurance often does not cover — if they can even find it.

This means that for many dependent on it, tirzepatide will become unaffordable virtually overnight.

GLP-1 medications, including tirzepatide, mimic our natural GLP-1 hormone, aiding patients in feeling full and eating less. They have become essential in health management for millions of Americans.

Used alongside medical supervision and lifestyle adjustments, these medications have transformed weight loss treatment and management of chronic illnesses.

Believe me, I speak from personal experience.

Throughout the years, I’ve experimented with various weight loss drugs, from Fen-Phen to Contrave and Qsymia, but GLP-1s have truly made a difference in my life.

The conclusion of the tirzepatide “shortage” is not an isolated issue: Earlier this year, a Biden administration holdover at the FDA announced an end to the shortage of another GLP-1 medication, semaglutides like Ozempic and Wegovy — also imposing deadlines on compounded versions of those drugs.

Enhancing access to life-changing medications should be a top priority for our government. So why did the Biden administration prioritize Big Pharma’s profits over the health of millions of Americans?

Biden’s choice to prioritize corporate interests will have serious repercussions. Over 12% of U.S. adults have utilized GLP-1 drugs to manage chronic health issues like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.

A dramatic hike in costs will severely impact those who count on these medications.

Many GLP-1 users are at substantial risk for serious cardiovascular and metabolic diseases without their medication, yet insurance coverage remains limited.

This situation compels patients to face exorbitant out-of-pocket expenses—leaving them without safe alternatives if legitimate compounding pharmacies are barred from producing generic versions.

Recent data indicated that if tirzepatide becomes financially inaccessible, millions of Americans might resort to unregulated sources for their medications.

An internal survey by Ivim Health revealed that 85% of GLP-1 users would seek black-market alternatives if prices skyrocketed.

While Americans jeopardize their health, Big Pharma continues to profit.

The U.S. is facing an obesity epidemic. By making revolutionary treatments unaffordable, we lose opportunities to mitigate risks for diseases like heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, respiratory disorders, and more—which can all lead to significant disabilities.

Research indicates that if patients lose access to their medications, they face not only weight regain but also heightened risks of heart attacks, strokes, and other serious cardiovascular incidents—all due to the FDA’s swift judgment.

Americans should not and cannot stand by while our government favors corporate profit over our health.

This issue extends beyond a single class of drugs; it exemplifies a troubling trend where corporate interests consistently overshadow public health in our healthcare system.

The FDA under President Trump must rectify this course rapidly. Without prompt action, Americans will pay the consequences on March 19.

Sean Spicer, the 30th White House press secretary, hosts the Sean Spicer Show podcast.