A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals a growing trend of GLP-1 drug prescriptions among non-diabetic patients, while new prescriptions for those with diabetes are declining. Researchers express concern that this shift could lead to potential shortages of these treatments.
GLP-1 drugs, designed to mimic a hormone that controls blood sugar levels and reduces appetite, were originally approved for treating type 2 diabetes. However, in 2021, the FDA authorized the use of Wegovy, a GLP-1 treatment, for weight management.
Since then, pharmaceutical companies like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have struggled to keep pace with the surging demand for these medications, which include Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic.
The research team from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center analyzed the medical records of 45 million Americans who visited doctors between 2011 and 2023. They found that the percentage of new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes decreased from nearly 90% to over 70% from 2019 to 2023, while the share of new users without diabetes rose from 10% to 25%.
Yee Hui Yeo, one of the study’s co-authors, stated that the data indicates a shift in how healthcare providers are utilizing these medications for obesity treatment, highlighting the need to ensure that diabetic patients continue to have access to these vital drugs.
The study utilized data from TriNetX, a healthcare software company, though it may not reflect national trends. GLP-1 medications have gained popularity for their weight-loss benefits, with some users losing up to 26% of their body weight.
The soaring sales of these drugs have significantly increased the market value of Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, making them leading pharmaceutical companies globally. However, the intense demand has made it difficult for some patients to obtain their prescriptions. Both companies are investing heavily to increase production capabilities.
Morgan Stanley analysts project that the global market for GLP-1 drugs could reach $105 billion by 2030, estimating that adoption will extend to approximately 31.5 million individuals in the U.S. by 2035, equating to about 9% of the population.