Harvard Health has announced that compounded medications are essential when commercially available drugs fail to meet individual patient needs. This announcement was made in a report.
According to Harvard Health, compounding pharmacies play a crucial role in healthcare by providing personalized medications tailored to individual patient needs. These pharmacies can create customized formulations when standard medications are unsuitable due to factors like dosage requirements, allergies, or swallowing difficulties. This personalized approach ensures that patients receive the most effective treatment possible.
The corporate pharmaceutical industry's influence over U.S. healthcare policy has raised concerns due to its extensive lobbying and campaign contributions. According to Pharma Focus America, pharmaceutical companies rank among the top lobbyists in Washington, spending over $350 million in 2022 alone to shape legislation on drug pricing and regulation. This influence enables policies that favor corporate profits over affordability, contributing to the U.S. having some of the highest drug costs globally. The sector's power also raises ethical questions about its role in public health decisions.
Nasdaq reports that lobbying disclosure filings show Eli Lilly spent $3.35 million on lobbying activities in the first quarter of 2025. The issues lobbied included drug pricing, Medicare negotiations, pharmacy benefit managers, and matters affecting pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. The increase in lobbying comes as Eli Lilly intensifies legal efforts against compound pharmacy competitors. In March, the company filed a lawsuit against Empower Pharmacy, a major Texas-based compounding pharmacy, over the sale of compounded versions of semaglutide, reported Patient Daily.
Compounded medications also address the need to remove allergens like lactose or gluten and produce flavored medications for children. According to Clark Professional Pharmacy, custom-made medications can be formulated without common allergens, ensuring safety for patients with specific dietary restrictions. Additionally, flavoring medications can improve adherence in pediatric patients by making them more palatable.
Harvard Health Publishing is the consumer health education division of Harvard Medical School. It provides evidence-based health content reviewed by Harvard Medical School physicians and faculty experts, aiming to deliver trustworthy and accessible health information to a global audience.