Kirkland startup pharmacy hires unlicensed workers to handle GLP-1 medications, whistleblowers say
A Kirkland, Washington pharmacy rapidly expanded operations to meet the surging national demand for weight-loss medications, but allegedly compromised patient safety in the process. According to multiple whistleblowers and internal surveillance footage, the company, Aequita, cut corners in its manufacturing and distribution practices.
A Race to Meet Demand
Aequita manufactured off-brand versions of popular GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro at a lower cost. As orders increased from across the United States, the Kirkland facility struggled to keep pace. Operations manager James Lindsay reportedly addressed staffing shortages by recruiting day laborers from parking lots of nearby Home Depot and Lowe’s stores.
Unlicensed Workers in a Pharmacy Setting
Six former employees told KING 5 that these workers, lacking state licensing, were tasked with handling pharmaceuticals. Paul Meyers, Aequita’s former lab manager and the only whistleblower to publicly identify himself, stated, “They would come over to our main facility, our main pharmacy, and actually handle the pharmaceuticals themselves when we were short staffed and they didn’t have any state licensing.”
Internal videos obtained by state investigators show a day laborer opening a refrigerator containing GLP-1 medications labeled with patient names – access restricted to licensed staff. Footage also depicts unlicensed workers packaging and labeling medications for shipment, tasks legally reserved for licensed pharmacy assistants. According to Meyers, these workers were “there pretty much all the time.”
Pressure to Maximize Output
Whistleblowers reported relentless pressure to increase output, with a focus on profit over safety. Meyers said the emphasis was “Making money, 100% making money. And that was the primary focus.” These pressures, they claim, originated from executives at Aequita’s parent company, San Francisco-based Mochi Health.
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) investigated the allegations and conducted inspections at the Kirkland facility in late 2024. While the DOH found numerous violations and placed restrictions on Aequita’s license, the specific nature of those restrictions remains unclear. A DOH spokesperson stated that Aequita addressed the initial deficiencies and is currently able to operate, but the investigation is ongoing.
Quality Control Concerns and Customer Complaints
One pharmacist at the facility told investigators that managers urged them to verify prescriptions “as fast as you can,” with salaries tied to output. This rapid pace made maintaining quality control “very difficult.” Customers reported finding specks of contamination in their medication vials, defects pharmacists are trained to identify. Meyers confirmed that pharmacists frequently complained about debris in the vials.
Cost-Cutting Measures and Reported Illnesses
Whistleblowers described cost-cutting measures, including a practise dubbed “Glassgate,” where Aequita purchased cheaper glassware from Alibaba that was prone to breaking. Another shortcut involved using frozen “Otter Pops” instead of medical-grade ice packs to keep medications cold during shipping, a practise discontinued only after numerous customer complaints.
Shawn Rose of Chicago documented a severe reaction on TikTok after receiving a Mochi GLP-1 injection in January, requiring four hospital visits. Rose stated, “At one point they told me if I wouldn’t have came in when I did, I would have probably died.” Illinois authorities are also investigating this incident.
Limited Response from the Company
When contacted by KING 5 Investigators, a man identifying himself as “Dante” at the Kirkland facility declined to comment. Founder Myra Ahmad responded to an email inquiry by stating she would forward the request to her team, but no one followed up.
Paul Meyers, who worked at Mochi for only four months before the DOH investigation, expressed regret for his involvement, stating, “I do regret working for that company…because my effort there potentially could have hurt people.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Aequita manufacture?
Aequita manufactured off-brand versions of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro.
Who recruited the unlicensed workers?
According to six former employees, operations manager James Lindsay recruited unqualified workers from Home Depot and Lowe’s parking lots.
What is the status of the Washington State Department of Health investigation?
The Washington State Department of Health investigation into Aequita’s practices is continuing, though Aequita has addressed initial deficiencies and is currently able to operate.
As the investigation continues, the future of Aequita and Mochi Health remains uncertain. Will increased scrutiny of compounding pharmacies lead to stricter regulations and greater patient safety, or will the demand for affordable weight-loss medications continue to drive risky practices?