The Gila monster, with its beaded skin, sluggish movements, and reclusive habits, had proven to be a pharmaceutical treasure chest
Some participants lost 30% or more of their starting weight
Research specifically on transdermal berberine shows it can be absorbed, but requires specialised pharmaceutical formulations far more sophisticated than typical supplement patches
Compounded semaglutide is not FDA-approved, and its availability narrowed in 2025 and 2026
Recent research notes that while side effects can occur, GLP-1 drugs have also been linked to broader health benefits, including potential improvements in metabolic and cognitive health
However, compounded drugs do not undergo the same rigorous testing and approval process as FDA-approved drugs like Wegovy