🎙 The Weekly Dose: Retatrutide Nasal Sprays and Drops

And Our Trip to D.C.

By Dave Knapp | On The Pen📍 Recorded July 29, 2025 | 🎧 Listen to the full podcast | 📺 Watch on YouTube

Washington, D.C.: We Showed Up Again

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This episode opens with something personal: a thank you.

Because I was only able to return to D.C. and stand with the Obesity Action Coalition this week because of you. Your support made it possible for me to advocate, once again, for the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act — legislation that would finally add obesity coverage to Medicare and pressure commercial payers to do the same.

GLP-1 Advocacy Trip Photos

This wasn’t my first time walking the halls of Congress, but something felt different. I had backup. I wasn’t there as a one-man show. I was part of a growing chorus of patients and advocates demanding that this country stop treating access to care like a luxury.

We’ll have more from this trip soon, but just know this: the movement is growing. And we’re being heard.

Retatrutide Is Everywhere, But So Are The Scams

Let’s get back to what’s not helping people: these “needle-free” compounded and research versions of GLP-1s, including retatrutide and tirzepatide in spray or drop form.

I’ve said this before, but it bares repeating: there is no clinical data showing that sublingual or intranasal versions of GLP-1 meds achieve therapeutic plasma levels. None. If you’re taking it this way, you might be throwing hundreds of dollars down the drain.

• These forms likely have extremely poor bioavailability

• There are major differences between branded oral GLP-1s like Rybelsus (which use specific billion-dollar absorption tech) while these compounded versions rely on unproven or untested technology

• Some (not all) telehealth companies market these as equivalent to injectables, which should raise a massive red flag

  
  

Follow along for more info on these topics, because people living with obesity are being taken advantage of all over again.

We’re Rebuilding the Momentum

If you’ve noticed a shift in our content rhythm, you’re not wrong. I lost a little steam back in May after some health scares, but I’m coming back, and with more urgency, more clarity, and a bigger vision for what On The Pen can become.

This week’s show reflects that.

It’s not just about exposing what’s broken. It’s about doing the work to change it. Whether that’s showing up on the Hill, calling out shady treatment options, or just keeping people informed, we’re going to keep pushing.

We Rely on Your Support to Do Our Work!

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