1st Optimal vs Arc-1
An in-depth comparison of two leading GLP-1 Providers
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1st Optimal
Best for Patients wanting GLP-1 therapy within a lab-driven functional-medicine programArc-1
Best for patients seeking per-dose compounded GLP-1 without subscriptionsStarting at $250/mo
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | 1st Optimal | Arc-1 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | ✓6.7/10 | 6.4/10 |
| Starting Price | — | $250/mo |
| Editorial Rating | ✓3.4 ★ /5 | 3.2 ★ /5 |
| Features | ✓8 features | 3 features |
| States Available | 0 | 0 |
| Compounded | — | ✓ Yes |
| Brand Name | — | — |
| FSA/HSA Accepted | — | — |
| FDA Warnings | None | None |
Pros & Cons
1st Optimal
Pros
- ✓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
- ✓No long-term contracts
- ✓Board-certified doctors and nurse practitioners referenced
Cons
- ✗No public monthly pricing disclosed
- ✗No published state availability list
- ✗Compounded vs branded sourcing not clarified on site
- ✗Pricing only revealed after quiz or consultation
Arc-1
Pros
- ✓Both compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide available
- ✓Per-dose purchasing — no subscription or membership required
- ✓25% off plus free shipping promotion
- ✓Broader longevity formulary (rapamycin, NAD+, sermorelin)
Cons
- ✗No visible LegitScript or PCAB accreditation
- ✗No legal entity name or address disclosed
- ✗State availability not disclosed
- ✗Per-dose pricing makes higher doses very expensive ($1,085–$1,585 for semaglutide 1.75–2.5mg)
- ✗No named clinicians or pharmacy partners
Our Verdict
1st Optimal edges out Arc-1 with a higher overall score of 6.7/10 and is particularly strong for Patients wanting GLP-1 therapy within a lab-driven functional-medicine program. Arc-1 remains a solid alternative, especially if you're looking for patients seeking per-dose compounded GLP-1 without subscriptions.
Glossary references
Key terms in this article, linked to their canonical definitions.
- Semaglutide · Drugs and brands
- Tirzepatide · Drugs and brands
- Compounded GLP-1 · Pharmacy and drug forms
- 503A pharmacy · Pharmacy and drug forms
- PCAB accreditation · Pharmacy and drug forms
- Prior authorization (PA) · Insurance and regulatory
- Off-label use · Insurance and regulatory
- FDA Drug Shortage List · Insurance and regulatory
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Or see the full category ranking.
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