Shaun Noorian, CEO of Empower Pharmacy, has expressed concerns about the compounding pharmacy sector, stating that it has diminished due to regulatory bias favoring large pharmaceutical companies.
"100 years ago we made up 75% of all drugs dispensed in this country now we only make up 3," said Noorian, according to YouTube. "what's happened what we've seen has happened is what's known as regulatory capture where big pharma and the regulators somewhat collude. they want to protect big pharma's interests and then big pharma lobbying is more than anybody else more than any industry by far. I think this year they're going to spend 380 million dollars on lobbying."
U.S. pharmaceutical regulations have increasingly impacted compounding pharmacies, particularly concerning drug pricing and access. In 2024, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed stricter oversight of 503A and 503B compounding facilities, including limitations on compounding certain drugs listed on the Demonstrable Difficulties for Compounding (DDC) list. This move has raised concerns about reduced access to affordable medications. Compounding pharmacies argue that these regulations could limit their ability to provide personalized treatments, especially during drug shortages. The tension between ensuring drug safety and maintaining access to compounded medications continues to shape the regulatory landscape, according to the Wall Street Journal.
According to a 2024 report by the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding, compounded prescriptions represent about 1% to 3% of all medications dispensed in the United States. Though a small share, these prescriptions play a vital role in treating patients with unique medical needs, such as allergies or dosage adjustments. The limited volume underscores compounding’s niche in the broader pharmaceutical market while highlighting its specialized utility.
As reported by Investopedia, the pharmaceutical and health products industry spent approximately $379.44 million on lobbying in 2024, the highest of any sector in the U.S. economy. This expenditure exceeded that of other major industries like insurance and electronics, reflecting the sector’s strong influence on healthcare legislation and regulation. The data shows how aggressively larger pharmaceutical firms advocate for favorable policy environments.
According to Forbes Councils, Shaun Noorian is the founder and CEO of Empower Pharmacy, launched in 2009 in Houston, Texas. He holds a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Texas at Austin and entered the pharmaceutical field after personal health challenges revealed gaps in conventional drug offerings. Noorian has become a vocal advocate for compounding pharmacies and regulatory reform in pharmaceutical policy.
As described on its official website, Empower Pharmacy is a Houston-based facility founded in 2009 that specializes in both 503A and 503B compounding services. The organization’s mission is to increase access to high-quality, customized medications by combining innovative pharmacy practices with scalable infrastructure. Empower serves patients and providers across the country with a focus on affordability and safety.