Head-to-head · Cost-Efficiency Index
Vaylen vs KERNX Health
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.
Vaylen
Cost-first shoppers who want gLP-1-focused care with oral and injectable options across all 50 states.
Visit VaylenKERNX Health
Shoppers comparing the real cost at their prescribed dose rather than the advertised entry price.
Visit KERNX HealthThe verdict
Vaylen takes it, leading the Cost-Efficiency Index 80 to 79. Vaylen is a pure GLP-1 specialist offering compounded semaglutide ($179/mo), compounded tirzepatide ($239/mo), compounded oral GLP-1 ($259/mo), and brand-name Ozempic, Zepbound, and Wegovy. KERNX Health still earns a C — Shoppers comparing the real cost at their prescribed dose rather than the advertised entry price.
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 Vaylen.
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 | Vaylen | KERNX Health |
|---|---|---|
| Cost-Efficiency Index | 80/100 | 79/100 |
| Semaglutide / mo | $179/mo (compounded) | $129/mo (compounded) |
| Tirzepatide / mo | $239/mo (compounded) | $229/mo (compounded) |
| Semaglutide / yr (modeled) | $2,148 | $1,548 |
| Tirzepatide / yr (modeled) | $2,868 | $2,748 |
| Coverage | All 50 states | All 50 states |
| Oral / sublingual | Yes | No |
| Brand-name access | Yes | Compounded only |
| Rank here | #34 | #36 |
Vaylen
80/100Where the value is
- Pure GLP-1 specialist — not a multi-category telehealth platform
- All 50 states coverage with licensed clinicians
- Both compounded and brand-name options (Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound)
The tradeoffs
- Compounded semaglutide at $179/mo is mid-range (not the cheapest)
- Brand-name options at near-retail pricing ($997-$1,086/mo)
KERNX Health
79/100Where the value is
- Names individual licensed providers (MDs and NPs) with credentials rather than a vague 'our doctors' claim
- Serves all 50 states through a licensed physician network
- Publishes the full dose ladder for both molecules — semaglutide to $199, tirzepatide to $329 — so the cost at a higher dose is knowable before starting
The tradeoffs
- A separate one-time consultation fee of $25 to $60 applies on top of the first month's medication cost
- No specific compounding pharmacy partner is named anywhere public
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.