FDA says the Zepbound shortage is over. Here’s what that means for compounding pharmacies, patients who used off-brand versions

The FDA announced Thursday that branded tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Eli Lilly's weight loss drug Zepbound , is no longer in short supply.

That decision will largely prevent compounding pharmacies from making and selling cheaper versions of the drug in the next two to three months .

It will also leave some patients in limbo, closing a niche, lucrative market for a cheaper alternative.

Pharmacy outsourcing facilities get an extra month , with a deadline of March 19 .

Compounding pharmacies may be allowed to continue making compounded tirzepatide in certain situations, trade group says.

FDA and OFA say they will provide an update in court by Jan. 2 to address "next steps in this litigation".

Compounding pharmacies such as Strive Pharmacy are operating as usual pending more updates to the legal fight.

Strive will largely stop making compounded tirzepatide by the February deadline if nothing further happens.

Compounding individual prescriptions for specific patients will make it harder for Strive to ensure that all of its safety procedures are still in place.