Scott analyzes the implications of the FDA ending compounded GLP-1 weight loss drugs, which have provided a cheaper alternative to official channels for the past three years, and examines various responses from both compounding pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies. Longer summary

Scott discusses the upcoming end to compounded GLP-1 weight loss drugs in the US, as the FDA declares the shortage over. He explains how for the past three years, compounding pharmacies have provided these drugs at $200/month compared to the official $1000/month price, helping about 2 million Americans. The post explores various strategies companies are using to try to continue providing cheaper alternatives, and how pharmaceutical companies are responding with their own direct-to-consumer models. Scott concludes by noting how this experiment in semi-free-market medicine has shown that a less regulated supply chain can work effectively. Shorter summary

Scott Alexander examines overpriced medical products like Lovaza and Deplin, arguing they serve a purpose in the medical system, but criticizes exorbitant BRCA gene testing prices as harmful. Longer summary

Scott Alexander discusses two examples of overpriced medical products: Lovaza (fish oil) and Deplin (folate), which are essentially the same as much cheaper supplements. He argues that these products serve a purpose by making these substances 'Official' in the medical system, allowing doctors to prescribe them without fear of liability. The post then examines the case of BRCA gene testing, where a company charges exorbitant prices for a service that could be much cheaper. Scott criticizes this practice, contrasting it with the FDA's ban on 23andMe offering BRCA testing, suggesting potential conflicts of interest. Shorter summary