A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals that the number of individuals without diabetes being prescribed GLP-1 drugs is increasing, while new prescriptions for those with diabetes are declining.
The oral version of Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic has been found to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Nevertheless, researchers warn that this shift could lead to potential shortages of these medications.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and suppress appetite. Originally approved for type 2 diabetes treatment, the FDA expanded the approval in 2021 to include the weight loss medication Wegovy.
Since then, both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have struggled to meet the growing demand for GLP-1 medications, which include Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic.
Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other institutions examined the medical records of 45 million Americans who visited healthcare providers between 2011 and 2023. Their findings indicate a decline in new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes from nearly 90% to above 70% from 2019 to 2023, while the proportion of new users without diabetes increased from 10% to 25%.
Yee Hui Yeo, the co-first author of the study, stated, “This data suggests that more healthcare providers are recognizing the benefits of these medications for treating obesity, indicating a significant public health shift. However, it also raises concerns about potential medication shortages and the need to ensure that patients with diabetes continue to have access to these treatments.”
The study utilized data from healthcare software company TriNetX, which may not be fully representative of the national population.
GLP-1 medications have gained popularity in recent years due to their weight loss benefits, with some users losing up to 26% of their body weight.
The soaring sales of these medications have positioned Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk among the most valuable pharmaceutical companies globally. However, the heightened demand has posed challenges for some patients in obtaining their prescriptions. Both companies have invested billions to enhance their production capabilities.
Morgan Stanley analysts predict that the global market for GLP-1 drugs could reach $105 billion by 2030, with an estimated 31.5 million Americans, roughly 9% of the population, expected to adopt these treatments by 2035.