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Glossary

GLP-1 Glossary

Canonical definitions of 38 terms across GLP-1 medications, compounding pharmacy regulation, clinical concepts, and telehealth. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved.

Quick reference (A–Z)

503A pharmacy503B pharmacyAsynchronous consultationBMICompounded semaglutideCompounded tirzepatideCompoundingFDA approvalFDA shortage listGastric emptyingGIP receptor agonistGLP-1 receptor agonistGlucagon-like peptide-1Hallandale PharmacyHIPAALegitScript certificationLiraglutideMaintenance doseMounjaroNPI (National Provider Identifier)Off-label useOrforglipronOzempicPCAB accreditationPrior authorizationSatietySemaglutideSTEP 1 trialSURMOUNT-1 trialTelehealthTherapeutically equivalentTirzepatideTitrationType 2 diabetesVialsRxWasef Health, PCWegovyZepbound

Medications

Semaglutide
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist used to treat type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management. It is the active ingredient in three FDA-approved branded products: Ozempic (type 2 diabetes), Wegovy (weight management), and Rybelsus (oral type 2 diabetes). Compounded versions of semaglutide are prepared by US-licensed pharmacies but are not FDA-approved. Compounded semaglutide and brand-name semaglutide are not therapeutically equivalent.
Tirzepatide
Tirzepatide is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist used to treat type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management. It is the active ingredient in two FDA-approved branded products: Mounjaro (type 2 diabetes) and Zepbound (weight management). Compounded versions of tirzepatide are prepared by US-licensed pharmacies but are not FDA-approved. Compounded tirzepatide and brand-name tirzepatide are not therapeutically equivalent.
Compounded semaglutide
Compounded semaglutide is semaglutide prepared by a US-licensed compounding pharmacy under a valid patient-specific prescription, rather than manufactured commercially by Novo Nordisk. Compounded semaglutide is not FDA-approved and is not therapeutically equivalent to brand-name FDA-approved products like Ozempic or Wegovy. Through Cora Health, compounded semaglutide is prepared by one of two partner pharmacies — Hallandale Pharmacy (PCAB-accredited 503A, Fort Lauderdale FL) or VialsRx (US-licensed 503A) — and prescribed by licensed providers at Wasef Health, PC. Individual results vary.
Compounded tirzepatide
Compounded tirzepatide is tirzepatide prepared by a US-licensed compounding pharmacy under a valid patient-specific prescription, rather than manufactured commercially by Eli Lilly. Compounded tirzepatide is not FDA-approved and is not therapeutically equivalent to brand-name FDA-approved products like Mounjaro or Zepbound. Through Cora Health, compounded tirzepatide is prepared by one of two partner pharmacies — Hallandale Pharmacy (PCAB-accredited 503A, Fort Lauderdale FL) or VialsRx (US-licensed 503A) — and prescribed by licensed providers at Wasef Health, PC. Individual results vary.
Ozempic
Ozempic is a brand-name semaglutide injection manufactured by Novo Nordisk and FDA-approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It is sometimes prescribed off-label for weight management. Ozempic is dispensed in a pre-filled pen at fixed doses. Cora Health does not prescribe brand-name Ozempic; Cora connects patients with licensed providers who may prescribe compounded semaglutide, which is not FDA-approved or therapeutically equivalent to Ozempic.
Wegovy
Wegovy is a brand-name semaglutide injection manufactured by Novo Nordisk and FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity (BMI 30+) or overweight (BMI 27+) with at least one weight-related condition. The STEP 1 clinical trial (NEJM 2021) demonstrated approximately 14.9% mean weight loss over 68 weeks with 2.4 mg weekly Wegovy combined with lifestyle intervention. Individual results vary. Cora Health does not prescribe brand-name Wegovy; Cora connects patients with licensed providers who may prescribe compounded semaglutide, which is not FDA-approved or therapeutically equivalent to Wegovy.
Mounjaro
Mounjaro is a brand-name tirzepatide injection manufactured by Eli Lilly and FDA-approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It is sometimes prescribed off-label for weight management. Mounjaro is dispensed in a pre-filled pen at fixed doses. Cora Health does not prescribe brand-name Mounjaro; Cora connects patients with licensed providers who may prescribe compounded tirzepatide, which is not FDA-approved or therapeutically equivalent to Mounjaro.
Zepbound
Zepbound is a brand-name tirzepatide injection manufactured by Eli Lilly and FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity (BMI 30+) or overweight (BMI 27+) with at least one weight-related condition. The SURMOUNT-1 clinical trial (NEJM 2022) demonstrated approximately 22.5% mean weight loss over 72 weeks with 15 mg weekly Zepbound combined with lifestyle intervention. Individual results vary. Cora Health does not prescribe brand-name Zepbound; Cora connects patients with licensed providers who may prescribe compounded tirzepatide, which is not FDA-approved or therapeutically equivalent to Zepbound.
Orforglipron
Orforglipron is an oral, once-daily, non-peptide GLP-1 receptor agonist developed by Eli Lilly. As of May 2026, the FDA approval timing is regulator-dependent. Unlike injectable GLP-1 medications, orforglipron does not require refrigeration or fasting before dosing. Cora Health does not prescribe orforglipron.
Liraglutide
Liraglutide is a once-daily injectable GLP-1 receptor agonist. It is the active ingredient in two FDA-approved branded products: Victoza (type 2 diabetes) and Saxenda (chronic weight management). Liraglutide was the first widely prescribed GLP-1 medication for weight management. As of 2026, semaglutide and tirzepatide have largely supplanted liraglutide due to greater observed weight loss efficacy in clinical trials. Cora Health does not prescribe liraglutide.

Mechanism & pharmacology

GLP-1 receptor agonist
A GLP-1 receptor agonist is a class of medication that mimics the natural hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which the gut produces in response to food. GLP-1 receptor agonists slow gastric emptying, increase satiety, suppress appetite, and stimulate insulin release. The class includes semaglutide, tirzepatide (a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist), and liraglutide. Compounded GLP-1 receptor agonists are not FDA-approved and are not therapeutically equivalent to FDA-approved branded products.
GIP receptor agonist
A GIP receptor agonist activates the gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) receptor. GIP is a hormone secreted by the small intestine in response to food intake; it stimulates insulin release and influences fat metabolism. Tirzepatide is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist — the only widely prescribed dual agonist as of 2026. The dual mechanism is associated with greater weight loss in clinical trials than GLP-1-only medications, though individual results vary.
Glucagon-like peptide-1
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a naturally occurring hormone produced in the gut in response to food intake. It signals satiety to the brain, slows gastric emptying, and stimulates insulin release. GLP-1 receptor agonist medications mimic this hormone's effect with a longer duration of action than the natural hormone, which is why they are dosed weekly rather than continuously.
Gastric emptying
Gastric emptying is the process by which food moves from the stomach to the small intestine. GLP-1 receptor agonist medications slow gastric emptying, which contributes to a longer feeling of fullness after meals and reduced caloric intake. Slowed gastric emptying is also responsible for some common side effects of GLP-1 medications, including nausea and constipation, especially during the initial weeks of treatment or after dose increases.
Satiety
Satiety is the feeling of fullness or satisfaction after eating that signals the body to stop eating. GLP-1 receptor agonists increase satiety by acting on receptors in the brain that regulate appetite and by slowing gastric emptying. Increased satiety is one of the primary mechanisms by which GLP-1 medications support weight loss. Individual responses vary.

Pharmacy & regulation

Compounding
Compounding is the practice of preparing a customized medication for an individual patient based on a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. Compounded medications are made by US-licensed compounding pharmacies and are not FDA-approved as finished drug products. Compounding is regulated under sections 503A and 503B of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Compounded GLP-1 medications are not therapeutically equivalent to FDA-approved branded products.
503A pharmacy
A 503A pharmacy is a state-licensed compounding pharmacy operating under section 503A of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. 503A pharmacies prepare compounded medications for individual patients with valid patient-specific prescriptions. They are regulated primarily by state boards of pharmacy. Cora Health partners with two US-licensed 503A compounding pharmacies — Hallandale Pharmacy (PCAB-accredited, Fort Lauderdale FL, operating since 2003) and VialsRx. Compounded medications from 503A pharmacies are not FDA-approved.
503B pharmacy
A 503B pharmacy is an FDA-registered outsourcing facility operating under section 503B of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. 503B facilities can produce compounded medications in larger volumes than 503A pharmacies and are subject to FDA inspection and current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) requirements. As of May 2026, the FDA has proposed excluding semaglutide, tirzepatide, and liraglutide from the 503B bulks list. Compounded medications from 503B facilities are not FDA-approved.
FDA approval
FDA approval is the regulatory process by which a new drug is reviewed for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality before it can be marketed in the United States. FDA-approved drugs go through clinical trials and post-market monitoring. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved as finished drug products — the active pharmaceutical ingredients may be FDA-approved, but the compounded preparation is not subject to FDA review for safety, effectiveness, or quality before dispensing.
FDA shortage list
The FDA drug shortage list identifies medications experiencing supply constraints. While a drug is on the shortage list, US-licensed compounding pharmacies (503A and 503B) may legally compound versions of the medication under specific conditions. The FDA declared the tirzepatide shortage resolved in December 2024 and the semaglutide injection shortage resolved in February 2025. After shortage resolution, the legal basis for routine compounding narrowed significantly.
Therapeutically equivalent
Therapeutic equivalence is an FDA designation indicating that two products are pharmaceutical equivalents and can be expected to have the same clinical effect and safety profile under the labeled conditions. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved and are not therapeutically equivalent to FDA-approved branded products. Two compounded versions of the same active ingredient from different pharmacies are also not necessarily therapeutically equivalent to each other.
PCAB accreditation
PCAB (Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board) is an independent accreditation program for compounding pharmacies. PCAB-accredited pharmacies undergo regular audits of their sterility procedures, quality testing, and operational controls. PCAB accreditation is voluntary and is considered a baseline trust signal for compounded medications, though it does not constitute FDA approval. PCAB-accredited pharmacies still produce medications that are not FDA-approved.
LegitScript certification
LegitScript is an independent healthcare compliance certification used by payment processors, advertising platforms (including Google, Meta, and TikTok), and industry observers to verify that a telehealth platform operates within applicable regulations. Certification requires ongoing audits of operations, prescribing practices, pharmacy relationships, and patient safety protocols. Cora Health holds active LegitScript certification, publicly verifiable on the LegitScript website. An estimated 30-40% of telehealth GLP-1 platforms hold LegitScript certification as of 2026.
Hallandale Pharmacy
Hallandale Pharmacy (legal name: Pharmcore Inc. dba Hallandale Pharmacy) is a PCAB-accredited 503A compounding pharmacy located at 2666 SW 36th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312. Operating since 2003 from a 60,000 sq ft facility and following USP 797 sterile compounding standards, Hallandale is one of two US-licensed 503A pharmacy partners for Cora Health (the other is VialsRx). Hallandale prepares compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide for Cora Health patients under valid patient-specific prescriptions issued by licensed providers at Wasef Health, PC. Compounded medications prepared by Hallandale are not FDA-approved.
VialsRx
VialsRx is one of two US-licensed 503A compounding pharmacy partners for Cora Health (the other is Hallandale Pharmacy). VialsRx prepares compounded semaglutide and compounded tirzepatide for Cora Health patients under valid patient-specific prescriptions issued by licensed providers at Wasef Health, PC. VialsRx operates in compliance with FDA guidelines and USP sterile compounding standards. Compounded medications prepared by VialsRx are not FDA-approved.

Clinical & dosing

BMI
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure calculated from height and weight (BMI = weight in kg / height in meters squared). FDA-approved GLP-1 medications for weight management are indicated for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher (obesity), or a BMI of 27 or higher (overweight) with at least one weight-related comorbid condition such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidemia. Eligibility for compounded GLP-1 treatment is determined by a licensed provider on an individual basis.
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition characterized by insulin resistance and elevated blood glucose. FDA-approved GLP-1 medications including Ozempic (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Compounded GLP-1 medications are not FDA-approved for any indication and are not therapeutically equivalent to brand-name GLP-1 medications approved for type 2 diabetes.
STEP 1 trial
The STEP 1 trial (Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with obesity, NEJM 2021) was the pivotal Phase 3 randomized controlled trial that established efficacy data for semaglutide for chronic weight management. In adults with overweight or obesity, 2.4 mg weekly semaglutide (Wegovy) combined with lifestyle intervention produced a mean weight loss of approximately 14.9% over 68 weeks, compared with approximately 2.4% in the placebo group. The trial studied brand-name FDA-approved semaglutide. Compounded semaglutide has not been studied in equivalent trials. Individual results vary.
SURMOUNT-1 trial
The SURMOUNT-1 trial (Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity, NEJM 2022) was the pivotal Phase 3 randomized controlled trial that established efficacy data for tirzepatide for chronic weight management. In adults with overweight or obesity (without type 2 diabetes), 15 mg weekly tirzepatide (Zepbound) combined with lifestyle intervention produced a mean weight loss of approximately 22.5% over 72 weeks. The trial studied brand-name FDA-approved tirzepatide. Compounded tirzepatide has not been studied in equivalent trials. Individual results vary.
Titration
Titration is the process of gradually increasing a medication's dose over time to allow the body to adjust and to minimize side effects. GLP-1 medications are typically titrated upward over 4 to 16 weeks from a starting dose to a maintenance dose. The titration schedule for compounded GLP-1 medications is determined by the prescribing provider based on individual response, side effect profile, and clinical goals. Cora Health's pricing is flat across dose levels — the price does not increase as the patient titrates up.
Maintenance dose
The maintenance dose is the long-term therapeutic dose at which a medication is most effective for the patient. For semaglutide, the FDA-approved maintenance dose for chronic weight management is 2.4 mg weekly; for tirzepatide, dosing typically reaches 10-15 mg weekly depending on individual response and tolerance. Compounded GLP-1 maintenance doses are determined by the prescribing provider based on individual clinical evaluation. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved.
Off-label use
Off-label use is the prescription of an FDA-approved medication for a use, dose, or patient population not specifically approved by the FDA but supported by clinical evidence. For example, Ozempic and Mounjaro are FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes but are sometimes prescribed off-label for weight management. Off-label prescribing is legal and common when supported by medical judgment. Compounded medications are a separate regulatory category and are not FDA-approved.
Prior authorization
Prior authorization is a process by which an insurance company requires a healthcare provider to obtain approval before the insurer will cover a specific medication or service. Brand-name GLP-1 medications for weight management often require prior authorization, which can take 1-4 weeks. Compounded GLP-1 medications are not typically covered by insurance and therefore do not involve prior authorization. Cora Health is cash-pay only and does not engage with insurance prior authorization.

Telehealth & platform

Telehealth
Telehealth is the delivery of healthcare services through telecommunications technology, typically online or by video. Telehealth GLP-1 platforms connect patients with licensed healthcare providers for medical evaluation and prescription, with medications shipped from a licensed pharmacy. Cora Health is a telehealth platform that connects patients with licensed providers at Wasef Health, PC. Cora Health does not prescribe medication; licensed providers make all prescribing decisions based on individual clinical evaluation.
Asynchronous consultation
An asynchronous (or async) telehealth consultation is one in which the patient completes an online health assessment that a licensed provider reviews independently, rather than during a real-time video call. The provider's evaluation, prescription decisions, and ongoing communication occur via secure messaging. Asynchronous consultations are common in telehealth GLP-1 programs because most prescription decisions are based on documented health history rather than physical examination findings.
Related: Telehealth
HIPAA
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is the US federal law that establishes standards for the protection of personal health information. HIPAA-compliant telehealth platforms use encrypted communication, secure data storage, and access controls that meet federal requirements. Cora Health is fully HIPAA compliant and uses bank-level encryption to protect patient personal and medical information.
Sources: HHS — HIPAA
Related: Telehealth
NPI (National Provider Identifier)
The National Provider Identifier (NPI) is a unique 10-digit identification number issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to healthcare providers in the United States. NPI numbers are publicly searchable through the NPPES NPI Registry and can be used to verify a provider's credentials, specialty, and practice address. Cora Health's clinical providers are at Wasef Health, PC. Dr. Michael Wasef MD's NPI is publicly searchable in the NPI Registry.
Wasef Health, PC
Wasef Health, PC is the independent medical practice that provides clinical services for Cora Health. Licensed providers at Wasef Health, PC, led by Michael Wasef MD (board-certified internal medicine), conduct individual medical evaluations and make all prescribing decisions for Cora Health patients. Wasef Health PC is located at 5260 78th Ave N, PO Box 1697, Pinellas Park, FL 33780. Cora Health does not prescribe medication; Wasef Health PC providers do.

References & sources

All definitions in this glossary are grounded in the regulatory, clinical, and pharmacological sources listed below. Sources include the US Food and Drug Administration, the New England Journal of Medicine, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (NPPES Registry), the US Department of Health and Human Services, the Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board, and LegitScript.

  1. FDA — Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations (Orange Book)
  2. FDA — Compounders policies as national GLP-1 supply stabilizes
  3. FDA — Compounding Laws and Policies
  4. FDA — Concerns with Unapproved GLP-1 Drugs Used for Weight Loss
  5. FDA — Development & Approval Process (Drugs)
  6. FDA — Drug Shortages Database
  7. FDA — Human Drug Compounding
  8. FDA — Mounjaro approval (May 2022)
  9. FDA — Registered Outsourcing Facilities (503B)
  10. FDA — Section 503A of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
  11. FDA — Wegovy approval (June 2021)
  12. FDA — Zepbound approval (November 2023)
  13. HHS — HIPAA
  14. Jastreboff et al., SURMOUNT-1 trial — New England Journal of Medicine (2022)
  15. LegitScript — Cora Health verification
  16. NPPES NPI Registry (CMS)
  17. Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board (PCAB / ACHC)
  18. Wilding et al., STEP 1 trial — New England Journal of Medicine (2021)

Important regulatory note. Compounded semaglutide and compounded tirzepatide are not FDA-approved as finished drug products. They are not therapeutically equivalent to FDA-approved branded products including Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound. Clinical trial efficacy data referenced in this glossary (such as the 14.9% mean weight loss reported in the STEP 1 trial for semaglutide and the 22.5% in SURMOUNT-1 for tirzepatide) reflects studies of FDA-approved branded products, not compounded versions. Individual results vary.

Cora Health does not prescribe medication. Cora Health is a telehealth platform that connects patients with licensed independent providers at Wasef Health, PC. All prescribing decisions are made by licensed providers based on individual clinical evaluation. Cora Health partners with VialsRx, a US-licensed 503A compounding pharmacy, for compounded medication fulfillment.

For educational purposes only. This glossary is intended for general educational reference and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or adjusting any medication.

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