EPISODE 54: What FDA Approval Actually Means and the Future of Peptides with Dr. Jean Cunningham

Welcome back to Peptides for Women podcast!

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Jean Cunningham, Senior Director of Medical Affairs at Empower Pharmacy. With over 15 years of experience in pharmacy, medical affairs, scientific communications, and evidence-based healthcare, Dr. Cunningham brings a unique perspective on peptides, GLP-1s, women’s health, and the evolving regulatory landscape surrounding compounding pharmacies.

Together, we dive into the science behind peptide therapies, the role of GLP-1 medications beyond weight loss, the history of hormone replacement therapy, and what the FDA’s upcoming peptide discussions could mean for patients, providers, and the future of personalized medicine.

In this episode, we cover:

• Dr. Cunningham’s journey from pharmacy school to medical affairs leadership
• Why evidence-based medicine matters, and how to evaluate research critically
• The lasting impact of the Women's Health Initiative on hormone replacement therapy
• Why many women were underserved by traditional healthcare approaches
• How GLP-1 medications have evolved over the past two decades
• The connection between obesity, inflammation, and chronic disease
• The difference between visceral fat and subcutaneous fat
• Why GLP-1s can improve more than just weight loss
• Muscle preservation, protein intake, and strength training while using GLP-1s
• How scientific studies are funded and how researchers account for bias
• The role of compounding pharmacies in personalized healthcare
• What 503A and 503B compounding pharmacies actually do
• The difference between FDA-approved medications and compounded medications
• The upcoming FDA peptide hearings and what they could mean for patients
• Why access to high-quality peptide therapies remains an important conversation
• The risks associated with unregulated peptide sourcing
• What patients should consider before starting peptide therapy
• The future of telehealth, personalized medicine, and peptide treatments

Connect with Dr. Jean Cunningham!

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeancunningham
• Empower Pharmacy Website: https://www.empowerpharmacy.com/
• Empower Pharmacy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empowerpharmacy/

Links & Resources:

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‼️Disclaimer‼️

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Always speak with your licensed healthcare provider before starting or changing any medication or treatment plan.