Encyclopedia entry
Compounded vs licensed GLP-1
Compounded GLP-1 is semaglutide or tirzepatide active ingredient mixed into custom formulations by a non-manufacturer, typically a specialist compounding pharmacy. In the US, compounded GLP-1 was widely available during 2023 to 2024 when FDA shortage lists allowed it. In the UK, compounded GLP-1 is not legally available through routine supply. PeptideClear does not list or recommend compounded sources.
What "licensed" means in the UK
Licensed UK GLP-1 medications are tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Eli Lilly), semaglutide (Wegovy and Ozempic, Novo Nordisk), and liraglutide (Saxenda and Victoza, Novo Nordisk). Each holds a UK MHRA marketing authorisation and is supplied in pre-filled pens or single-use vials manufactured by the licence holder. Cold-chain logistics from manufacturer to UK pharmacy are validated and documented.
Why compounded is not legal UK supply
- · Compounded mixtures are unlicensed medicinal products under the Human Medicines Regulations 2012.
- · UK Specials manufacturing licence is needed to prepare unlicensed medicines, and is granted for specific patient needs, not routine supply.
- · The active ingredient source matters: licensed manufacturers produce semaglutide and tirzepatide to GMP standard with full chain of custody. Compounded sources may not have this.
- · MHRA enforcement focus 2024 onwards has targeted UK retailers and pharmacies offering compounded supply.
What to verify before purchase
A UK pharmacy supplying GLP-1 should be able to confirm: GPhC registration number, the medication brand name (Mounjaro or Wegovy or Saxenda, not "semaglutide compound"), the manufacturer (Eli Lilly or Novo Nordisk), batch number traceability, and validated cold-chain delivery. If a supplier is vague on any of these, the product is unlikely to be licensed UK supply.
Related: MHRA medicines classification · cold chain · UK pharmacies.