A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine indicates a rising trend among people without diabetes being prescribed GLP-1 drugs, while prescriptions for individuals with diabetes are on the decline. This shift raises concerns about potential shortages of these treatments.
GLP-1 medications operate by mimicking a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels and curbs appetite. Initially approved for type 2 diabetes management, the FDA authorized Wegovy, a GLP-1 treatment, for weight loss in 2021.
Since then, pharmaceutical companies Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have faced challenges in meeting the increasing demand for these medications, which include Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic.
Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other institutions examined medical records of 45 million Americans who visited doctors between 2011 and 2023. Their findings revealed that the percentage of new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes dropped from nearly 90% in 2019 to over 70% in 2023. Conversely, the share of new GLP-1 users without diabetes rose from 10% to 25%.
Yee Hui Yeo, co-first author of the study, noted that this trend suggests healthcare providers are recognizing the benefits of these drugs for obesity treatment, representing a significant public health shift. However, it also highlights the need to ensure that diabetes patients continue to have access to necessary medications amid rising demand.
The study utilized data from healthcare software company TriNetX, which may not reflect the national demographic accurately.
GLP-1 drugs have gained popularity for their appetite-suppressing effects, showing users the potential to lose up to 26% of their body weight.
The soaring sales of these medications have positioned Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk as leading pharmaceutical companies globally. However, the high demand is complicating prescription fulfillment for some patients. Both companies have invested heavily to enhance production capabilities.
Morgan Stanley analysts project that the global market for GLP-1 drugs could reach $105 billion by 2030, with an anticipated increase in usage to around 31.5 million individuals in the U.S., representing about 9% of the population, by 2035.