Shaun Noorian, CEO of Empower Pharmacy, said that compounding pharmacies offer more affordable and personalized medications that can enhance results and minimize side effects. This statement was made during a podcast.
"patients have flocked to compounding pharmacies because not just because we're more affordable but also because the medications in many cases can be uh uh result in better patient outcomes," said Noorian, according to YouTube. "they're personalized. different dosage form different dosage strength or different dosage combination. minimize some of the side effects that a patient may have by using a commercially available drug."
Recent regulatory actions by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have focused on compounding pharmacies producing versions of GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide, which are no longer listed as drug shortages. According to the Houston Chronicle, the FDA has mandated that 503A compounding pharmacies cease production of these drugs by February 18, 2025, and 503B outsourcing facilities by March 19, 2025. These decisions are backed by lawsuits from pharmaceutical companies such as Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, indicating increasing tensions between large drug manufacturers and compounders over issues like safety, patent protection, and drug accessibility.
According to the National Council on Aging, approximately 7,500 pharmacies in the United States provide compounding services for patients who require personalized medication formulations. These compounders play a crucial role for patients needing specific dosages, allergen-free ingredients, or alternatives to commercially unavailable drugs. The significance of compounding has grown in response to drug shortages and individualized treatment needs, underscoring its importance within the broader healthcare system.
U.S. prescription drug prices remain significantly higher than global averages. As reported by RAND Corporation in 2024, Americans pay an average of 2.78 times more for medications compared to consumers in 33 other countries, with brand-name drugs costing 4.22 times more. The study also found that U.S. prices for generics are comparatively lower at about 67% of the average in those same countries, highlighting a substantial pricing imbalance driven by brand-name pharmaceuticals.
Noorian is the founder and CEO of Empower Pharmacy, a Houston-based compounding pharmacy he established in 2009. As noted on Empower Pharmacy’s official site, Noorian was inspired by personal healthcare experiences and has expanded the company into one of the largest 503A and 503B facilities in the United States. He has been recognized with awards such as the Houston Business Journal’s Most Admired CEO for his leadership and contributions to pharmaceutical access and innovation.
