Why is a GLP-1 medication so expensive if it's "just" an appetite suppressant?

The cost reflects the injectable biologic manufacturing process (which is more complex and expensive than producing a standard pill), patent protection (branded versions remain patent-protected for years, keeping generic competition out), and significant demand outpacing supply in recent years. It's also not really "just" a simple appetite suppressant mechanistically, it's a more complex hormone-mimicking biologic, which factors into both development and manufacturing cost. References: https://obesitycanada.ca/healthcare-professionals/adult-clinical-practice-guideline/