by Bren Tiner

Progress in cystic fibrosis doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because a dedicated community refuses to stay silent.

Because CF is classified as a rare orphan disease, it affects a relatively small number of people globally and rarely gets the automatic spotlight or federal funding of more common illnesses. That is why public awareness and aggressive publicity are our most valuable currencies; they are the tools we must use to secure the private funding that drives life-saving research forward. We need more research, and that science requires money.

As a parent who has walked this path alongside a child with CF, I understand what this community carries. Our families have always had to be the loudest voices in the room to ensure our children are never overlooked or forgotten.

My son Michael carried this journey with strength and determination, and though he is no longer with us, he is the reason I keep showing up. I show up for him and for every patient and family still fighting for their breakthrough. Honoring Michael means never stopping.

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) events are the lifeblood of this mission. Every dollar from these events pushes science forward and brings a cure that much closer. The medical progress made over the last few decades is nothing short of miraculous, but our work is far from finished, and science cannot move forward without our financial support.

Every step we take, every story we share, and every dollar we raise keeps that momentum moving forward, until the day “CF” stands for “Cure Found.”

Bren Tiner works in our Birmingham location and has been with VytlOne for 13 years. Her son, Michael, died in 2021 at the age of 26 from causes not related to CF. 

A VytlOne Member Services Success Story

Summary

• VytlOne leverages AI in its contact center to enhance human connection, streamline tasks, and provide member advocates with insights, enabling them to focus on engaging and problem-solving for members.
• AI analyzes conversations to identify trends and delivers real-time coaching, resulting in continuous improvement, reduced member abrasion, and high member satisfaction scores.
• The company is implementing AI-powered call summarization to further improve efficiency, consistency, and personalized member experiences by freeing staff from manual notetaking.

The impact of AI

At VytlOne, we’re using artificial intelligence (AI) to strengthen the human connection in our contact center.

AI enables our highly trained member advocates by streamlining tasks and surfacing insights, which allows our team to focus on what matters most: listening, engaging, and solving problems for our members.

How we’re using AI today

 AI transcribes and analyzes calls to identify meaningful conversation “moments,” grouping common topics and inquiries. These insights help us proactively identify trends, deliver real-time coaching, and focus resources where they are needed most. The result is a culture of continuous improvement, reduced member abrasion, and better outcomes for both our people and our members.AI also allows us to turn every interaction into a learning opportunity. By quickly identifying themes across thousands of calls, we can deliver targeted training and coaching that empowers our member advocates and elevates the member experience.

The results speak for themselves: 4.89 out of 5.0 member satisfaction based on more than 50,000 surveys in 2025.

What’s next?

We’re in the process of implementing AI‑powered call summarization. This will free advocates from manual notetaking, increase consistency and quality of documentation, and support faster, “one-and-done” resolutions. Most importantly, it will give our team more time to actively connect with members and deliver a high‑touch, personalized experience. AI is another tool in our toolkit, empowering our people to do their best work every single interaction.

If you’d like to learn more about how VytlOne supports members through innovation and care, reach out to your VytlOne representative.

Introducing VytlAIQ

Have you heard about VytlAIQ, our new end-to-end intelligence platform designed for health system 340B and specialty pharmacy services?

VytlAIQ unifies data, automates workflows, and delivers predictive intelligence to help pharmacists and healthcare providers maximize 340B performance, accelerate patient access, and unlock the full value of specialty and pharmacy services.

To learn more about VytlAIQ or schedule a platform briefing, contact pharmacysolutions@vytlone.com.

Summary

• VytlOne Launches VytlAIQ, a Transformational End-to-End AI Platform for 340B and Specialty Pharmacy Services.

• The new platform unifies data, automates workflows, and delivers predictive intelligence to help pharmacists and other health care providers maximize 340B performance, improve and accelerate patient access, and unlock the full value of pharmacy services.

About

DALLAS — [April 21, 2026] — VytlAIQ enables health care providers to optimize 340B performance, reduce referral leakage, scale pharmacy operations, and improve patient outcomes and experience through AI-enabled pharmacy care.

“Health systems rely on the 340B program to extend care to the communities that need it most, but too often the tools available to them are reactive and fragmented,” said Kim Tzoumakas, CEO, VytlOne. “VytlAIQ moves teams from reporting to action: find eligible patients, tighten referral routing, and capture value that can be reinvested in patient care, while improving the patient experience.”

VytlAIQ today includes specific capabilities aimed at addressing key pharmacy challenges:

• 340B Optimization: Maximizes 340B program revenue and compliance by auditing 100% of claims for eligibility, surfacing missed opportunities, and flagging risks
• Client Portal: Integrates data from multiple systems to provide health system and pharmacy leaders with real-time visibility into pharmacy performance
• Liaison Intelligence Platform: Real-time next best action recommendations to maximize impact of pharmacy liaisons and enhance clinical care
• Workflow Automation: Automates manual pharmacy workflows to reduce administrative burden and free up time for patient care

Health systems today are navigating a highly complex 340B and pharmacy environment. Many pharmacists and health care teams are doing so while utilizing outdated tools, manual processes, and fragmented data often delayed and siloed across different systems.

VytlAIQ flips the model from hindsight to insight. The platform connects clinical, pharmacy, payer, and financial data into one real-time intelligence platform that helps teams by surfacing next-best actions, orchestrating steps, and learning from operational signals to improve access and performance for a smoother, faster patient experience.

“VytlAIQ isn’t an AI feature grafted onto a legacy system. It’s a ground-up reimagination of how pharmacy intelligence should work,” said Joel Wright, President, VytlOne. “We have the operational depth, data assets, and market position to be a truly market-leading AI-native platform.”

To learn more about VytlAIQ, discuss use cases and implementation options, or schedule a platform briefing, visit vytlone.com/vytlaiq/ or contact pharmacysolutions@vytlone.com.

Read the full press release here. 

Summary

• Limited distribution drugs (LDDs) are specialty medications available only through select pharmacies, typically used for rare or complex conditions like cancer, cystic fibrosis, and multiple sclerosis.
• Manufacturers restrict LDD distribution due to special handling requirements, safety concerns, and a desire for greater control over patient treatment, sometimes involving FDA safety programs or value-based arrangements.
• Reimbursement for LDDs is more complex than for standard drugs, often requiring detailed prior authorization and specialized pharmacy staff; manufacturers may offer financial assistance to help patients manage high costs.

What are limited distribution drugs (LDDs)? 

Limited distribution drugs (LDDs) are specialty medicines that are only available in certain specialty pharmacies. LDDs often treat rare or complex medical conditions and are expensive. Examples of conditions that often require LDDs are cancer, cystic fibrosis, multiple sclerosis, and hemophilia. In addition, many times they have special requirements related to handling, monitoring, and administering.

Recently approved LDDs

Examples of some recently approved LDDs are:

1. Myqorzo™ (aficamten) approved in December 2025 to treat adults with symptomatic hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
2. Brinsupri ™ (brensocatib) approved in August 2025 to treat non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis in adults and children age 12 and older.
3. Yeztugo® (lenacapavir) approved in June 2025 as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to reduce the risk of acquired HIV in adults and adolescents weighing at least 35kg.

Manufacturers restrict distribution of these drugs for several reasons. LDDs often have special requirements (for example, related to storage), and manufacturers may not want to pay for costs necessary to get credentials for a large pharmacy network in order to meet these requirements. Some LDDs may have certain safety issues and be subject to the FDA’s Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS) program.  REMS is a drug safety program for some medications with major safety concerns to make sure their benefits outweigh risks. Additionally, some manufacturers may want more control over patients’ treatment and so LDDs may be part of a value-based arrangement between a manufacturer and a pharmacy benefits manager.

What is the reimbursement model for LDDs? 

Reimbursement for LDDs is different from other types of drugs. It is usually more complex in part because of their expense and specialized nature. Prior authorization (PA) is often required for LDDs, and the process is more involved than for other kinds of medications. Trained specialty pharmacy staff usually handle much of the PA process, helping to submit paperwork and track status.

LDDs could fall under the medical or pharmacy benefit depending on what type of drugs they are and where they are administered. That can affect out-of-pocket costs for patients. Manufacturers frequently offer patient assistance programs or copay support because the medicines are so expensive.

What is a high-touch care model?

LDDs have a high-touch care model with a clear focus on patients. There are care teams that provide personalized onboarding and education along with clinical monitoring and compliance tracking.

Care teams ensure that patients know how to take their medications and understand side effects. They can even coordinate with prescribers and other healthcare professionals. They also track effectiveness of medicines and counsel patients, serving as a connection among patients, pharmacy, and provider. This results in a more personalized and high-touch experience, which is designed to better serve patients and improve outcomes.

LDDs in general are more complex than standard medicines. They are usually on the expensive side, require PA, and have complicated reimbursement requirements. In addition, LDDs necessitate a high-touch approach from a specialty pharmacy care team. Patients must understand how to take their medicines and care teams track effectiveness and compliance.

References

What is a limited distribution drug (LDD)? Drugs.com. September 13, 2024.

Cytokinetics Announces FDA Approval of MYQORZO™ (aficamten) for the Treatment of Adults with Symptomatic Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy to Improve Functional Capacity and Symptoms. Cytokinetics. December 19, 2025.

FDA Approves BRINSUPRI™ (brensocatib) as the First and Only Treatment for Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis, a Serious, Chronic Lung Disease. Insmed. August 12, 2025.

Yeztugo® (Lenacapavir) Is Now the First and Only FDA-Approved HIV Prevention Option Offering 6 Months of Protection. Gilead. June 18, 2025.

Fein, Adam J. Smaller Pharmacies, Bigger Impact: Inside Manufacturers’ Specialty Networks in 2025. Drug Channels. April 23, 2025.

Dresser, Jesse C. and Girgis, Timothy. Understanding Limited Distribution Drugs Networks: How Pharmacies Are Selected and Strategies to Expand Access. Frier Levitt. December 11, 2025.

Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies | REMS. Food & Drug Administration. May 20, 2025.

Summary

• Maury Regional Health opened its new retail pharmacy in Columbia, Tennessee on March 27. 
• It’s the first of several pharmacies scheduled to open this year as part of the Maury Regional Health system. 

New Pharmacy Opening

Congratulations to Maury Regional Health on the grand opening of its new retail pharmacy location in Columbia, Tennessee!

 The Columbia Medical Plaza marks the first in a series of new pharmacy locations intended to bring expert care closer to home for residents across the region. Following this Columbia opening, Maury Regional Health will soon debut an additional pharmacy location at the new Lawrence Health Center in Lawrenceburg, with plans to open other pharmacy locations later this year. These secondary locations complement the existing on-campus pharmacy currently located on the first floor of Maury Regional Medical Center, which continues to serve discharging patients, employees and volunteers.

“It was an honor celebrating this exciting milestone with the Maury Regional Health team,” said Nicole Shoquist, Senior Vice President of Health System Operations for VytlOne. “We’re honored to partner with such a forward-looking health system in providing their patients, employees, and community members convenient access to pharmacy services, and we’re excited for what the next chapter of our collaboration will bring.”

For more information about Maury Regional Health’s current and upcoming pharmacy locations, hours and services, visit MauryRegional.com/Pharmacy.

A Women’s History Month Feature

Summary

• Menopause is a natural stage in a woman’s life marked by the permanent end of menstrual periods, typically occurring between ages 40 and 50, and is accompanied by various symptoms such as hot flashes, mood changes, and sleep problems.
• Recent FDA-approved medications, including Veozah® (fezolinetant) and Lynkuet® (elinzanetant), target neurokinin receptors in the brain to effectively treat moderate to severe hot flashes during menopause.
• Alternative treatments for hot flashes include anti-seizure medications like gabapentin and pregabalin, offering additional options for symptom relief during menopause.

What is menopause? 

Menopause is the stage of a woman’s life when menstrual periods stop permanently for at least 12 consecutive months, and she can no longer get pregnant. Menopause is a natural part of aging for women. The average age for menopause to occur for American women is 51 but can happen from the 40s to 50s. About 2 million American women enter menopause every year.

The time leading up to menopause is called perimenopause. During perimenopause, menstrual cycles become less regular and are spaced farther apart. Many women also experience menopausal symptoms during perimenopause.

Some symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, night sweats, brain fog, mood changes, sleep problems, and vaginal dryness.

Medications for hot flashes

During menopause, estrogen levels drop and this drop can cause the body’s internal thermostat to get out of balance. That can trigger vasomotor symptoms, also known as hot flashes. About 75% of women experience hot flashes during menopause.

In May 2023, the FDA approved Veozah® (fezolinetant), an oral medicine to treat hot flashes. Veozah was the first neurokinin 3 (NK3) receptor antagonist approved by the FDA to treat moderate to severe hot flashes from menopause. The drug binds and blocks the activities of the NK3 receptor, which has a role in the brain’s regulation of body temperature.

Another drug for hot flashes, Lynkuet® (elinzanetant), was approved in October 2025. Lynkuet blocks neurokinin 1 (NK1) and NK3 receptors, receptors in the brain that help to control body temperature. The drug is the first to target both NK1 and NK3.

There are some other medicines that can work on hot flashes, too. These include:

1. Gabapentin, an anti-seizure medication.
2. Pregabalin, an anti-seizure medication.
3. Oxybutynin, a pill or patch used to treat some urinary conditions.
4. Clonidine, a pill or patch to treat high blood pressure.

Additionally, low doses of some antidepressants can be helpful. These include:

1. Escitalopram.
2. Paroxetine.
3. Venlafaxine.
4. Citalopram. 

Hormone therapy

Hormone therapy (HT) can also be helpful for women managing menopause symptoms. Black box warnings were included on HT for many years, which may have affected the number of women choosing to use it. But in November 2025, the FDA announced it would remove these warnings from HT products that contain estrogen.

According to the FDA, there are several types of HT:

1. Combination therapy, which combines doses of estrogen and progestin or progesterone (for women with a uterus).
2. Systemic estrogen-alone therapy, which has only estrogen. This is often used in women who don’t have a uterus, but can be used in women with a uterus in concert with progesterone-alone therapy.
3. Progestogen-alone therapy, which contains only progesterone or progestin. This can be added to systemic estrogen-alone therapy for women with a uterus.
4. Topical vaginal estrogen therapy, which is estrogen applied to the vaginal area for the treatment of vaginal symptoms.

Prescriptions for hormone therapy went up by 86% between 2021 and 2025. Estrogen patches are currently in shortage in part due to this rise in demand. Estradiol patches went into shortage on January 30, 2026, according to the American Society of Health System Pharmacists.

Final thoughts

There are more available options nowadays to treat menopause symptoms. Determining which medicine to take is a very personal decision, one that should be discussed with a healthcare provider. With the right support and treatment, menopause symptoms can be more comfortably controlled and tolerated.

Disclaimer: The foregoing does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified and licensed physician or other medical professional.

References

The Menopause Years. American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists.

Perimenopause. Mayo Clinic.

Menopause. Mayo Clinic.

Carter, Beth. Women in Menopause Often Go Untreated. AARP Policy Institute. April 17, 2025.

FDA Approves Novel Drug to Treat Moderate to Severe Hot Flashes Caused by Menopause. Food & Drug Administration. May 12, 2023.

Cohen, Sandy. Hot flashes and more: New program helps patients through menopause. UCLA Health. October 3, 2023.

Lynkuet FDA Approval History. Drugs.com. October 25, 2025.

Hot flashes. Mayo Clinic.

Stubbs, Chris, Mattingly, Lisa, Crawford, Steven A. et al. Do SSRIs and SNRIs reduce the frequency and/or severity of hot flashes in menopausal women. Journal of the Oklahoma State Medical Association. May 2017.

Salamon, Maureen. FDA removes menopause hormone therapy black box warnings. Harvard Health Publishing. Harvard Medical School. November 13, 2025.

Hormone Replacement Therapies Can Help Women with Bothersome Menopausal Symptoms. Food & Drug Administration. February 13, 2026.

Agrawal, Nina. The Estrogen Patch Surged in Popularity. It’s Now in Shortage. The New York Times. February 26, 2026.

Drug Shortages List. American Society of Health System Pharmacists.

Summary

• Pharmacists in the U.S. have evolved from primarily dispensing medications to serving as frontline healthcare providers, offering clinical services, improving access to care, and addressing public health needs.
• Their roles now include administering a wide range of vaccines and, in many states, prescribing medications such as birth control and PrEP, reflecting expanded powers through changing regulations.
• Pharmacists play a critical role in improving healthcare accessibility, especially in underserved areas, and assist in managing chronic conditions by working closely with patients and coordinating with other healthcare professionals.

The evolution of the pharmacist

Pharmacists in the U.S. have mainly been viewed as medication dispensers—professionals who made sure prescriptions were filled accurately and safely. Their role today has expanded. Pharmacists are now seen as frontline healthcare workers, improving access to care, delivering clinical services, and addressing public health issues.

Administering vaccinations

Pharmacists came to the forefront of the healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic, and they continue to play a central role in healthcare. In late 2020, the Department of Health and Human Services granted pharmacists and pharmacy interns who completed the requisite training to administer COVID-19 vaccines. This was set to expire in 2024, but has since been extended to 2029.

State and federal authorities continue to advocate for the expanded powers of pharmacists. Many pharmacists can now administer vaccines, including for seasonal influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Regulations related to vaccine administration can vary from state to state. Approximately 19 states and Washington, DC, permit pharmacists to give all Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)- recommended vaccines to people age 3 and up.

Currently, about 30 states and Washington, DC, allow pharmacists to prescribe birth control. In February, Senate Bill 195 in Georgia was proposed to allow pharmacists to prescribe PrEP. This bill was proposed in response to HIV rates in Atlanta, which has one of the highest rates of HIV in American metro areas. About 20 states now allow pharmacists to prescribe PrEP.

Improving access to healthcare

Access to healthcare remains a challenge in the U.S., especially in rural and underserved areas. Pharmacists are often the most accessible healthcare providers that people engage with—many times, pharmacies are open on nights and weekends and are relatively close by. A study found that people see their pharmacist almost twice as often as they see their doctor.

Managing chronic conditions

Over half the American population lives with a chronic health condition. As the number of people with chronic conditions rises, their treatment and medication management become more complicated.  Pharmacists can assist with screening for conditions like hypertension and diabetes, particularly for those without a primary care doctor. They can also collaborate with other healthcare professionals to better coordination of care and improve communication.

Facing public health issues

Pharmacists are also leading the way in preventive care and community health. Currently pharmacists in all 50 states and Washington, DC, can dispense naloxone without a prescription. They can provide guidance on the benefits of the drug, its available forms, administration, and recognition of an overdose.

Pharmacists can also counsel patients on travel health, advising them on preventive care and immunizations to avoid travel-related disease. Some pharmacists are permitted to give travel vaccinations.

Additionally, pharmacists can in assist in providing information on smoking cessation, lifestyle issues, and medication adherence.

Final thoughts

Today pharmacists are not just professionals who dispense medications. Their role is much bigger. They are a key part of the healthcare system, providing guidance to patients, improving access to care, and serving as a point of contact for community health concerns.

References

Oakes, Kari.  Pharmacists can give COVID-19 vaccines, says HHS. Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society. September 11, 2020.

Pharmacist and Pharmacy Technician Vaccination Authority. National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations. January 3, 2025.

Nakayama, Megan and Goad, Jeff. An Update on State-Level Authority on Pharmacy Immunization. Drug Topics. Volume 169, Issue 4. July/August 2025. August 25, 2025.

Wilkerson, Daniel. Georgia bill would allow pharmacists to prescribe PrEP in effort to expand HIV prevention access. CBS News. February 18, 2026.

Finocchiaro, Jennifer. Pharmacist-prescribed PrEP and PEP pilot expands pharmacy scope of practice. Genoa Healthcare. September 10, 2024.

Valliant, Samantha N., Burbage, Sabree C., Pathak, Shweta, and Urick, Benjamin Y. Pharmacists as accessible health care providers: quantifying the opportunity. Journal of Managed Care & Specialty Pharmacy. Volume 28, Number 1. December 23, 2021.

Fact Sheet: Pharmacists. Pharmacists’ Role in Naloxone Dispensing. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Mehta, Meera and Bunner, Courtney. Pharmacists Have a Significant Role in the Prevention of Travel-Related Diseases. Pharmacy Times. October 21, 2024.

Fero, Anjeza. The Pharmacist’s Expanding Role in Chronic Disease Management. Pharmacy Times. January 14, 2026.

Summary

• Telepharmacy is the use of technology to provide pharmaceutical care remotely, expanding access to pharmacy services, especially in rural or underserved areas where traditional pharmacies may not exist.
• Benefits of telepharmacy include real-time medication advice, easier monitoring of drug compliance, extended service hours, increased patient education options, and improved accessibility for non-English speakers.
• Challenges include limited public awareness, the digital divide affecting internet access in rural areas, varying state regulations, and restrictions on dispensing controlled substances remotely.

What is telepharmacy?

While most of us have heard the terms “telemedicine” or “telehealth” and are familiar with the meaning, the term “telepharmacy” is probably not as widely known. Telepharmacy is the delivery of pharmaceutical care through technology. Pharmacists and patients can interact through smartphones, for example, using an app to see and speak with each other. Telepharmacy began as a solution for rural and underserved areas where a pharmacy was not readily accessible—these areas are often referred to as pharmacy deserts. Now telepharmacy is becoming more mainstream. Approximately 28 states currently allow telepharmacy while about 22 restrict it or do not allow it at all.

Telepharmacy allows pharmacists to offer their services remotely. This can include medication counseling, prescription verification, chronic disease management, and oversight of pharmacy technicians at distant locations. For patients, this translates to fewer barriers to care—they don’t have to drive long distances to reach a pharmacy, they don’t have to wait in line, and they have easier access to pharmacists. This can be especially important for older people or those managing difficult medical conditions.

Telepharmacy advantages

• Ability to answer questions about medicines in real time.
• Ability to monitor drug compliance.
• Expansion of service hours.
• More options for patient education.
• More options for people who do not speak English as a native language.

Telepharmacy disadvantages

• People may not even know that it is available.
• Some Americans—particularly those living in rural areas—don’t have reliable access to internet, an issue known as the digital divide.
• Some people might not have the necessary health literacy to manage telepharmacy.
• Regulations related to telepharmacy—including authorization, facility, and staffing restrictions—vary from state to state, so there is no single federal standard.

Telepharmacy in action

1. In North Dakota, the North Dakota Pharmacy Project serves rural and frontier communities. About 80,000 people living in rural areas have been served.
2. In Nebraska, there is a service that connects rural hospitals and remote pharmacists.
3. In North Carolina, rural clinics expanded their scope during the COVID-19 pandemic, screening patients for social determinant of health issues.

Final thoughts

Telepharmacy offers opportunities for people living in pharmacy deserts or other areas where there is little or no access to a pharmacy. As policy and regulation evolves—and as technology continues to improve—telepharmacy may become more prevalent and could offer an excellent option for those pharmacy care.

References

Baldoni, Simone, Armenta, Francesco, and Ricci, Giovanna. Telepharmacy Services: Present Status and Future Perspectives: A Review. Medicina (Kaunas) July 1, 2019.

Poudel, Arjun, and Nissen, Lisa M. Telepharmacy: a pharmacist’s perspective on the clinical benefits and challenges. Integrated Pharmacy Research and Practice. October 26, 2016.

Evoy Davis, Lauren. Technology and the benefits of telepharmacy. Verizon Business. December 12, 2025.

Dowell, Michael A. The Evolving Telepharmacy Dispensing Landscape. U.S. Pharmacist. October 15, 2025.

Telehealth Models for Increasing Access to Pharmacy Services. Rural Health Information Hub.

Summary

• The U.S. healthcare system continues to struggle with drug shortages, although the overall number of shortages has decreased recently.
• As of February 27, 2026, there are 195 drug shortages—down from 226 in July 2025 and 323 at the start of 2024, but the issue remains a public health crisis.
• Eleven new drugs entered shortage between January and February 2026, impacting treatment for conditions such as heart failure, hypertension, nausea, gout, menopause symptoms, and ulcerative colitis.

What’s the current state of drug shortages in the U.S.?

Drug shortages have been a persistent problem in the U.S. healthcare system for years. In 2026, the picture is mixed. While the number of shortages has been decreasing, there are still major shortages and many of the reasons for those shortages haven’t been fixed.

As of February 27, 2026, there are 195 drug shortages, according to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. This is down from 226 on July 1, 2025. At the beginning of 2024, there were 323 drug shortages, one of the highest levels recorded. The American College of Physicians declared drug shortages a public health crisis in August 2025.

Eleven new drugs went into shortage from January 1 to February 27, 2026. They are:

1. Furosemide oral solution– to treat fluid retention and swelling caused by congestive heart failure, live disease, kidney disease, or other conditions
2. Epoprostenol injection– to treat certain types of arterial hypertension
3. Trimethobenzamide injection– to treat nausea and vomiting
4. Disopyramide phosphate controlled-release capsules– to treat ventricular arrythmia, including sustained ventricular tachycardia
5. Colchicine oral liquid– to prevent gout attacks
6. Estradiol transdermal system– to treat moderate to severe symptoms of menopause
7. Mesalamine extended-release capsules– to treat ulcerative colitis
8. Iothalamate meglumine 17.2% (injection)– to help diagnose or find problems in brain, back, heart, head, blood vessels, stomach, joints, pancreas, bladder, and other parts of the body
9. Conjugated estrogens injection– to treat abnormal bleeding from the uterus caused by hormonal imbalance when no other cause of bleeding has been found
10. Moxifloxacin injection– to treat bacterial infections and to treat and prevent plague
11. Azithromycin injection– to treat bacterial infections and to prevent Mycobacterium avium complex disease with people with HIV

Effects of drug shortages

While the number of drug shortages has been going down, shortages can still create issues. A July 2024 to August 2024 survey of primary care doctors affected by drug shortages showed the impact:

• Eighty-seven percent of doctors reported that shortages were associated with a change in quality of care.
• Doctors were more likely to alter the drug of choice than to postpone prescribing.
• Doctors said that they needed more staff to manage the increased workload.

Hospital pharmacies are also affected.  A report released in January 2026 showed that the biggest operational challenge for these pharmacies was managing drug shortages.

How different drugs are impacted

An analysis of drug shortages from 2018 to 2023 showed that injectable drug products made up half of all drug shortages. Oral drug products made up slightly over 42% of drugs in shortage and topical products almost 8%. This analysis also found that drug shortages last about twice as long for injectables as for oral products.

There are currently about 15 cancer drugs with shortages between 2023 and 2025. Fourteen of those were injectable, and 12 were in shortage for more than two years.

Some drugs have been in shortage for many years. Examples of drugs that have been in shortage for over 10 years include :

1. Dexamethasone sodium phosphate injection, which treats inflammation in the organs.
2. Leucovorin calcium injection, which is used as an antidote to methotrexate, a cancer medicine.
3. Vancomycin hydrochloride injection, which treats infections.

Examples of drugs that have been in shortage for over five years include:

1. Lorazepam tablets, which are used to treat anxiety disorders.
2. Fentanyl citrate injection, which is used to treat severe pain during and after surgery.
3. Hydromorphone hydrochloride injection, which is used to relieve severe pain.

Recent news

In February 2026, the government started accepting requests to participate in the FDA PreCheck pilot program. This program hopes to lower regulatory barriers for manufacturing facilities in the U.S. with the end goal of strengthening the American drug supply chain.

Also in February, Rep. Buddy Carter of Georgia introduced the Growing America’s Pharmaceutical Supply Act in the House of Representatives. The Act aims to amend section 503B of the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and “…enhance the ability of outsourcing facilities to mitigate drug shortages by allowing a short-term period to continue supplying the market after a drug is in shortage.”

The ongoing tug of war over tariffs could also have an impact. Over 45% of generic drugs come from India. China has 8% of the total volume of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) and over 40% of branded pharmaceutical API come from the European Union (EU). As of early November 2025, exports from India to the U.S. had a 50% tariff rate and exports from China had a 47% tariff rate.  In August 2025,  a trade framework between the U.S. and the EU was formalized.  Pharmaceuticals from the EU were to be charged a 15% tariff or Most Favored Nation (MFN) pricing, whichever was higher. MFN pricing on generic drugs and API went into effect on September 1, 2025.

But on February 20, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down tariffs. Later that day, the president signed an executive order that instituted a tariff rate of 10% for all countries. That  went into effect on February 24, and there are plans to raise that rate to 15%.

Addressing shortages requires coordination among many stakeholders, including manufacturers, healthcare providers, and governments. For both patients and providers, stayed informed about shortages and planning ahead is key in 2026.

VytlOne actively monitors drug shortages and proactively identifies alternatives to reduce patient impact.

References

Drug Shortages List. ASHP.

Drug shortages: Q3 2025 Update. VytlOne. July 17, 2025.

Silverman, Ed. The number of new drug shortages in U.S. hits lowest level in 20 years, but myriad problems remain. Stat+. January 22, 2026.

ACP Says Prescription Drug Shortages are a Public Health Crisis, Offers Recommendations. American College of Physicians. August 11, 2025.

McGeeney, J. Daniel, McAden, Emily, and Sertkaya, Aylin. Analysis of Drug Shortages, 2018-2023 Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation. January 8, 2025.

Catherman, Caroline. New survey sheds light on hospital pharmacies’ biggest challenges. Healthcare Brew. January 29, 2026.

How Drug Shortages Disrupt Pediatric Care. Children’s Hospital Association. June 17, 2025.

Jarrett, Jennie B., Dillane, Katlyn E., and Hollett, Geoff. Treatment Modifications After Drug Shortages Among Primary Care Physicians. Research Letter. Pharmacy and Clinical Pharmacology. JAMA Network Open. Vol. 9, No. 1. January 7, 2026.

 Analysis of Drug Shortages, 2018-2023. Eastern Research Group, Inc. Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation. Health and Human Services. January 14, 2025.

Hand, Jen. Cancer drug shortages refuse to go away. American Pharmacists Association.

Dexamethasone Injection. Cleveland Clinic.

Leucovorin (oral route, intravenous route, injection route). Mayo Clinic.

Vancomycin (intravenous route). Mayo Clinic.

Lorazepam (oral route). Mayo Clinic.

Fentanyl (injection route). Mayo Clinic.

Hydromorphone Injection. MedlinePlus.

Furosemide (oral route). Mayo Clinic.

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Summary

• The obesity rate in the U.S. has been rising, with about 40% of adults considered obese between 2021 and 2023, but new medications have helped decrease the rate to 37% by 2025.
• GLP-1s and similar drugs, originally developed for diabetes, are now approved and widely used for obesity treatment; notable options include Saxenda, Wegovy (including a new oral version), and Zepbound, which have demonstrated significant sales and effectiveness.
• These medications work by mimicking hormones that regulate hunger and blood sugar, and ongoing developments promise to further impact obesity rates and the U.S. healthcare system.

What’s ahead in the GLP-1 and similar market in 2026

The obesity rate has been increasing over time in the U.S. From August 2021 to August 2023, about 40% of American adults were considered obese. A recent study shows that without intervention and advances, these rates could continue to rise for another 20 years. Complications related to obesity can include heart disease, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, diabetes, and certain cancers.

Enter glucagon-like peptide-1s (GLP-1s) and similar drugs which have transformed obesity treatment and have bent the curve, bringing the obesity rate down by almost 3%. In 2025, the obesity rate was estimated to be 37%. Originally developed to treat diabetes, GLP-1s and similar drugs are now on the market to treat obesity (and other conditions like sleep apnea and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis [MASH]). GLP-1s and similar drugs mimic the hormone glucagon and slow down the speed in which food moves through the system, making people feel full more quickly.

In this blog, we look at where GLP-1s and similar drugs for the obesity market currently stand, where the market is headed, and what this could mean both for Americans and the U.S. healthcare system.

Currently approved GLP-1s and similar for obesity

These GLP-1s and similar drugs are currently approved for weight loss:

1. Novo Nordisk’s Saxenda® (liragutide) was approved in December 2014. As of June 2025, Saxenda had annual sales of $165 million. A generic version of Saxenda was approved in August 2025.
2. Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy® (semaglutide) was initially approved in June 2021. In 2024, sales of Wegovy were about $8 billion. In December 2025, an oral version of Wegovy was approved, making it the first oral GLP-1 to treat obesity. The starting 1.5 mg dose costs $149 a month for patients paying cash, and the 4 mg dose is expected to be $149 a month through April 15. After that date, the cost is expected to increase to $199 a month. The 9 mg and 25 mg doses are $299 a month. Patients who pay in cash can also get the starting dose for $149 a month on TrumpRx under a deal made in November 2025. The Wegovy pill is also now available nationwide.
3. Eli Lilly & Co.’s Zepbound® (tirzepatide) was approved in November 2023 and is currently shown to be the most effective GLP-1. It exhibits up to 22.5% average weight loss in trials. Zepbound had sales of about $4.9 billion in 2024. Tirzepatide is a dual agonist—it mimics both a GLP-1 and a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP).

GIP is a hormone naturally produced in the small intestine which plays a role in food processing and energy storage, helping to control levels of blood sugar and regulating the perception of hunger.

In the pipeline

Drugmakers are searching for the perfect magic bullet—that combination of hormones that will best trigger weight loss, maintain muscle mass, and result in the least amount of side effects.

There are many new drugs in the pipeline with some offering an oral version rather than an injection.

The most anticipated include:

1. An oral, “non-peptide” GLP-1 receptor agonist, orforglipron from Eli Lilly & Co. This is a once daily small molecule pill with less dosing restrictions than oral Wegovy. In December 2025, the company announced positive results in maintaining weight loss after switching from injectable drugs. The company is expected to sell it competitively for near $149 a month for starting doses and up to $399 per month for higher doses. In November 2025, the FDA granted the drug its Commissioner’s National Priority Voucher, meaning review time would be one to two months instead of the standard 10 to 12 months. In December 2025, Eli Lilly said it filed an application with the FDA and expects an action date of April 10, 2026.
2. CagriSema from Novo Nordisk. This is an injectable, once-weekly combination of cagrilintide (an amylin analog) and semaglutide. Amylin is a pancreatic hormone secreted with insulin. Amylin analogs can help with glycemic control by increasing feelings of fullness and slowing stomach emptying. CagriSema was submitted to the FDA in December 2025 and approval is expected late this year.
3. Amycretin from Novo Nordisk. This is being developed in both injection and oral forms. Amycretin is a GLP-1 and an amylin receptor co-agonist, meaning it activates amylin receptors and another metabolic receptor (in this case, GLP-1). The projected approval date is in 2030.
4. Retatrutide from Eli Lilly. An injection and a triple-receptor agonist (nicknamed “Triple G”), it targets GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon. Lilly’s triple agonist, retatrutide, delivered weigh loss of up to an average of 71.2 lbs. along with substantial relief from osteoarthritis pain in the first successful Phase 3 trial. Phase 3 trials should end early this year. It may be approved and available in late 2026 or early 2027.

Most recent changes

• Zepbound KwikPen is a Eli Lilly product that is newly launched. This is a new form of its blockbuster obesity drug, Zepbound, that offers a month’s worth of doses in a single pen.
• Novo Nordisk on Tuesday said it plans to slash the monthly list prices of its popular obesity and diabetes drugs in the U.S. by up to 50% starting in 2027.

Utilization and uptake of weight loss medications

GLP-1 and similar utilization has soared since 2021. In 2025, the market size of GLP-1s and similar was expected to be over $70.08 billion. By 2034, the market size for GLP-1s and similar could grow as large as $322.85 billion.

Up to 12% of American adults have used a GLP-1 for weight loss. Use is highest in women age 50 to 64. And for those who have not taken a GLP-1, 22% said they would be interested in taking one for weight loss.

As the use of GLP‑1 and similar medications continues to grow—and is expected to keep rising— drug spend increases as well.

Traditional drugs have historically not been the main drivers of drug spend—specialty drugs often account for the bulk of drug spend. But a 2025 report from Evernorth Research Institute shows that with the increasing use of GLP-1s, traditional drug spend now surpasses specialty spend. Weight loss therapy contributed to a 46.8% increase in drug spend in 2024, and GLP-1s were the main reason. By the end of 2025, the increase in utilization of GLP-1s for weight loss was expected to be 73.1%.

As utilization increases, employers are grappling with how to respond to the surge in care costs. WTW’s Best Practices in Healthcare 2025 survey said that 57% of employers are currently covering GLP-1s for weight loss, but that 9% are thinking about removing this coverage. Seventy-three percent of employers say they are dealing with more cost pressure than ever in the past 10 years. And nearly 80% of employers would cover GLP-1s if the costs for doing so were lower.

Price changes

The cost of weight loss drugs has fluctuated since they came onto the market. In 2025, there were many changes related to direct-to-consumer (DTC) pricing. The government also introduced new pricing strategies for weight loss drugs.

In November 2025, Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly entered into pricing agreements with the government under TrumpRx and lowered the cost of several weight loss drugs. If bought through TrumpRx, the monthly price of Ozempic® and Wegovy is roughly $350—this is down from $1000 for Ozempic and $1350 for Wegovy. The TrumpRx price is for cash pay, commercial, and various other government-sponsored, insured products. The price of Zepbound is expected to average $346 monthly, down from $1086. People on Medicare/Medicaid will get an even lower price via TrumpRx for these drugs than those paying the previously mentioned cash prices. People on Medicare can use TrumpRx prices as a comparison tool when reviewing drug coverage options. 

Also in November 2025, Novo Nordisk announced that it was decreasing the DTC price of Wegovy and Ozempic for existing patients paying cash. In a November 17, 2025, announcement, Novo Nordisk said that Wegovy will cost $349 a month for cash payers and that the same cash price would apply to Ozempic (except the 2 mg highest dose, which would stay at $499 per month).  In December 2025, Eli Lilly announced additional price cutting for Zepbound under its DTC platform. Beginning on December 1, 2025, people paying in cash could receive the starting dose of Zepbound for as little as $299 a month. The next dose up (5 mg) will be $399 a month and other doses will be $449 a month, provided patients refill within 45 days for those other doses.

While it’s unclear what else may happen with pricing in 2026, these developments help to increase access to these drugs.

Final thoughts

GLP-1s and similar have shifted from being known as diabetes drugs to playing a large role in obesity treatment. The increased uptake of these drugs is already affecting healthcare in the U.S. With the addition of more therapies for weight loss, there could be additional profound effects. We are already seeing improved access, greater adherence, and the expansion of patients being treated with these drugs. In 2026 and beyond, there is tremendous opportunity—but also comes the continued challenges of cost and disparity in treatment. By combining innovation, expanded coverage, and additional healthcare support, we may see a major shift in the overall health and well-being of those living with obesity.

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Eli Lilly launches new form of obesity drug Zepbound with a month’s worth of doses in one pen

Novo Nordisk announces significant reduction in US list price for Wegovy®, Ozempic®, and Rybelsus® (semaglutide medicines), building on continued efforts to expand access