Big Buttons

• FDA doubles down: Tirzepatide is off shortage

  ...but that doesn't mean the issue is completely settled. read more →

• A couple of state updates

  Good news from Alabama, but a problem in Massachusetts read more →

• Defending GLP-1 compounding

  The latest letters APC's been sending to oppose efforts to restrict compounding read more →

• Thumbs-up for FDA crackdown

  APC was thrilled when the FDA announced it was taking action against illegal online businesses claiming to sell “research-grade” compounds. read more →

• A PANS/PANDAS explainer

  For your patients: Information about a couple of underdiagnosed pediatric mental health conditions read more →

• What, a year?

  In the final board chair column of the year, here are our top 7 accomplishments in 2024. read more →

• “Simply not a rational approach to regulating an industry”

  This week APC offered its final (and pointed) suggestions to the California Board of Pharmacy on their proposed significant – and we would say unjustified – changes to their compounding regulations. read more →

• Get a cease and desist letter from Verrica?

  APC has heard reports from several pharmacies that have received them — here's what to know. read more →

More News

We’ve been bugging the California Board of Pharmacy (politely!) for a while, trying to get a statement on its position and enforcement posture regarding the compounding of FDA-approved drugs that are currently in shortage. There has been some confusion — mixed messages, you might say — coming out of the Golden State regarding how the BoP views GLP-1 compounding, and we wanted some official clarification.

Good things, apparently, come to those who wait. In this case, it’s a response from the board in a letter last week saying that, “In general, the Board does try to align with FDA when possible,” and also reminding us that compounding pharmacies “must comply with a myriad of state and federal laws.” The bottom line, though — and our take on the letter (you can read it here) — is that the CA BoP’s position on GLP-1 compounding is consistent with that of FDA. 

APC will soon be releasing a best practices document related to shortage drug compounding, including GLP-1s, that tracks to law, FDA guidance, and USP standards … and also recommends certain testing and other measures that go beyond those standards. Stay tuned.