Head-to-head · Cost-Efficiency Index
Curve vs iThriveMD
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.
Curve
Cost-first shoppers who want legitScript-certified compounded GLP-1 at flat per-dose pricing.
Visit CurveiThriveMD
People in the CA/AZ service area who want the option of in-person visits alongside telehealth.
Visit iThriveMDThe verdict
Curve and iThriveMD tie on the Cost-Efficiency Index at 63/100, so neither wins outright on the numbers. For most shoppers we'd start with Curve (ranked #192, a hair above #194) — Cost-first shoppers who want legitScript-certified compounded GLP-1 at flat per-dose pricing. But iThriveMD is a genuine coin-flip alternative here.
Worth knowing either way: our overall #1 pick is CoreAge Rx (Cost-Efficiency Index 94/100 — the top of the ranking). See how it stacks up: CoreAge Rx vs Curve.
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 | Curve | iThriveMD |
|---|---|---|
| Cost-Efficiency Index | 63/100 | 63/100 |
| Semaglutide / mo | $175/mo (compounded) | $199/mo (all doses, promotional rate, compounded) |
| Tirzepatide / mo | $225/mo (compounded) | $399/mo (microdose tier, starting dose, compounded) |
| Semaglutide / yr (modeled) | $2,100 | $2,388 |
| Tirzepatide / yr (modeled) | $2,700 | $4,788 |
| Coverage | All 50 states | Coverage not published |
| Oral / sublingual | No | No |
| Brand-name access | Compounded only | Compounded only |
| Rank here | #192 | #194 |
Curve
63/100Where the value is
- Offers both compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide, with every dose priced the same so cost does not rise as you titrate up.
- LegitScript-certified (seal #51079066) and names both its 503A compounding pharmacy, VialsRx, and its provider network, Beluga Health.
- Transparent tiered pricing with a real month-to-month option; consultation, medication, and free expedited shipping included, no membership.
The tradeoffs
- Very new (2026 launch) with a thin track record; the site still shows a Webflow template credit and a leftover Cora reference in its Terms.
- The cheapest headline rates ($99 semaglutide / $135 tirzepatide) require a 12-month prepay; true month-to-month is $175 and $225.
iThriveMD
63/100Where the value is
- LegitScript-certified pharmacy claim, not just a generic compliance statement
- Real physical locations for patients who want in-person care
- Flat 'same price at all doses' structure for semaglutide simplifies comparison shopping
The tradeoffs
- $199 headline price is explicitly a teaser that reverts to $299/mo
- No individually named medical director
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.