Head-to-head · Cost-Efficiency Index
CoreAge Rx vs 1st Optimal
Two GLP-1 programs on the bench, scored on the same six factors. Here's how their real cost of ownership compares — and which one we'd start with.
CoreAge Rx
Anyone optimizing for real value — a transparent flat price you can model for a full year, nationwide, without a bait-and-switch.
Visit CoreAge Rx1st Optimal
Patients wanting GLP-1 therapy within a lab-driven functional-medicine program.
Visit 1st OptimalThe verdict
CoreAge Rx takes it, leading the Cost-Efficiency Index 94 to 40. Best value on the board: both molecules at one flat, all-50 price with no teaser step-ups — the lowest true cost of ownership, not the lowest teaser. 1st Optimal still earns a C — Patients wanting GLP-1 therapy within a lab-driven functional-medicine program.
Factor by factor
Both providers scored on our six Cost-Efficiency Index factors. The stronger side on each row is marked in teal.
Normalized Cost/Month
Price Transparency
Nationwide Access
Formulation Options
Clinical Oversight
Contract Flexibility
Pricing, coverage & formulary
The disclosed facts behind the scores. Lower price wins its row (teal).
| Spec | CoreAge Rx | 1st Optimal |
|---|---|---|
| Cost-Efficiency Index | 94/100 | 40/100 |
| Semaglutide / mo | $149/mo | Not disclosed |
| Tirzepatide / mo | $349/mo | Not disclosed |
| Semaglutide / yr (modeled) | $1,788 | — |
| Tirzepatide / yr (modeled) | $4,188 | — |
| Coverage | All 50 states | Coverage not published |
| Oral / sublingual | No | Yes |
| Brand-name access | Compounded only | Compounded only |
| Rank on the board | #1 | #478 |
CoreAge Rx
94/100Where the value is
- Flat all-in monthly price — no intro rate that silently triples after month one, so the modeled annual cost is the real cost
- Both compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide on one account at published prices
- Available in all 50 states — no coverage gamble
The tradeoffs
- Not the rock-bottom sticker price — cheaper teaser tiers exist (Direct GLP lists $65, Ondra $93 on semaglutide)
- No FDA-approved brand-name option (compounded only)
1st Optimal
40/100Where the value is
- Offers both semaglutide and tirzepatide with injectable and oral formats
- Functional-medicine approach with at-home labs and blood-work interpretation
- Unlimited coaching and ongoing support included
The tradeoffs
- No public monthly pricing disclosed
- No published state availability list
Assume any provider we list may compensate us — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. It never changes the Cost-Efficiency Index. Pricing, states and verification reflect each provider's public disclosures at last review; prices change — confirm on the provider's site. Not medical advice. See our disclosure.