Shaun Noorian, CEO of Empower Pharmacy, said that compounding pharmacies focus on low-cost, customized treatments that improve access and outcomes for patients.
"When we make a drug we look at the equation differently," said Noorian, according to YouTube. "We ask - what's the lowest we could possibly produce it for to bring as many patients into our system? Compound providers and patients have flocked to compounding pharmacies. Medications in many cases can result in better patient outcomes."
Eli Lilly has intensified its legal actions against compounding pharmacies by filing lawsuits against entities such as Empower Pharmacy. The pharmaceutical giant accuses these pharmacies of producing unapproved versions of its tirzepatide-based drugs, Mounjaro and Zepbound. According to the Houston Chronicle, Lilly alleges that these compounded medications are misleadingly marketed as personalized treatments and pose safety risks due to the lack of FDA approval. Empower Pharmacy argues that it legally provides customized medications to meet patient needs, particularly in terms of affordability and accessibility. This legal conflict highlights the ongoing tension between large pharmaceutical companies and compounding pharmacies over drug accessibility and patient care.
The U.S. compounding pharmacies market was valued at approximately $6.31 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $10.76 billion by 2033, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1%. This growth is attributed to the increasing demand for personalized medications and a shift towards patient-centric care. The market expansion suggests a growing reliance on compounded drugs to address specific patient needs not met by commercially available medications.
According to Nasdaq, lobbying disclosure filings reveal that Eli Lilly spent $3.35 million on lobbying activities in the first quarter of 2025. The issues lobbied included drug pricing, Medicare negotiations, pharmacy benefit managers, and matters affecting pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.
A 2024 report by the RAND Corporation indicates that prescription drug prices in the U.S. are nearly three times higher than those in other wealthy countries. The study found brand-name drugs in the U.S. cost over four times more on average, while generic drugs were comparatively cheaper. These disparities underscore systemic pricing issues and the lack of cost control mechanisms within the U.S. healthcare system.
Noorian is the founder and CEO of Empower Pharmacy, established in 2009. His personal health journey involved a need for compounded medications, which inspired him to create a pharmacy offering customized treatments nationwide. Under his leadership, Empower Pharmacy has grown into one of the largest compounding pharmacies in the United States, emphasizing accessibility and affordability in personalized medicine.
