Head-to-head · Cost-Efficiency Index
CoreAge Rx vs Arc-1
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 RxArc-1
Shoppers comparing headline GLP-1 starting prices who will click into the specific product page rather than trust the homepage figure.
Visit Arc-1The verdict
CoreAge Rx takes it, leading the Cost-Efficiency Index 94 to 48. Best value in the ranking: both molecules at one flat, all-50 price with no teaser step-ups — the lowest true cost of ownership, not the lowest teaser. Arc-1 still earns a C — Shoppers comparing headline GLP-1 starting prices who will click into the specific product page rather than trust the homepage figure.
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 | Arc-1 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost-Efficiency Index | 94/100 | 48/100 |
| Semaglutide / mo | $99/mo | Not disclosed |
| Tirzepatide / mo | $149/mo | Not disclosed |
| Semaglutide / yr (modeled) | $1,188 | — |
| Tirzepatide / yr (modeled) | $1,788 | — |
| Coverage | All 50 states | Coverage not published |
| Oral / sublingual | No | No |
| Brand-name access | Compounded only | Compounded only |
| Rank here | #1 | #431 |
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 — 30 of the 381 priced semaglutide programs we track list a cheaper figure, though most attach a term or a step-up that CoreAge does not
- No FDA-approved brand-name option (compounded only)
Arc-1
48/100Where the value is
- Both semaglutide and tirzepatide offered, with LegitScript Certified badge displayed and linked for verification
- Free 1-3 day shipping and a free consultation stated as included, with no separate visit-fee line item found
- Named founder physician (Dr. Todd Stearns) rather than an anonymous entity
The tradeoffs
- The homepage price ($199.99/mo for both drugs) and each drug's own product page (tirzepatide shows $149/mo) do not agree — the number you see depends on which page you land on
- Every dose variant on both product pages was shown as sold out/unavailable during this review, so the advertised price cannot currently be tied to a specific mg dose
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.