A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals a growing trend in the prescription of GLP-1 drugs to individuals without diabetes, while prescriptions for those with diabetes are declining. This shift raises concerns regarding potential shortages of these medications.
GLP-1 drugs, which mimic a hormone that regulates blood sugar and appetite, were initially approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. In 2021, the FDA expanded their approval with Wegovy for weight loss purposes.
Since that time, both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have faced challenges in meeting the increasing demand for GLP-1 medications, including popular products like Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic.
Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other facilities analyzed the medical records of 45 million American patients from 2011 to 2023. Their findings indicate that the percentage of new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes has decreased from nearly 90% to over 70% from 2019 to 2023, while the proportion of new users without diabetes has risen from 10% to 25%.
“This data suggests that more healthcare providers are recognizing the benefits of these medications for treating obesity, marking a significant public health shift,” stated Yee Hui Yeo, co-first author of the study. “However, it also raises concerns about possible medication shortages and the necessity of ensuring access for diabetes patients.”
The study, which utilized data from healthcare software company TriNetX, may not represent national statistics.
In recent years, GLP-1 medications have gained popularity due to their appetite-suppressing effects, aiding users in losing up to 26% of their body weight.
The soaring sales of these drugs have elevated Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to become some of the most valuable pharmaceutical companies globally, though the heightened demand has complicated prescription fulfillment for some patients. Both companies are investing billions to enhance their production capabilities.
Morgan Stanley analysts project that the global market for GLP-1 drugs will reach $105 billion by 2030. They also anticipate that around 31.5 million individuals in the U.S., or approximately 9% of the population, will adopt these treatments by 2035.