A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine has revealed a growing trend of GLP-1 drug prescriptions for individuals without diabetes, while prescriptions for those with diabetes are on the decline. The study highlights potential concerns regarding shortages of these medications.
GLP-1 drugs, initially approved for type 2 diabetes treatment, function by replicating a hormone that governs blood sugar levels and curbs appetite. In 2021, the FDA authorized the use of the GLP-1 treatment Wegovy for weight loss purposes, broadening the scope of these medications.
Currently, both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly face challenges in producing enough GLP-1 drugs, including Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic, to keep up with escalating demand.
Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other institutions examined the medical histories of 45 million Americans who visited a doctor between 2011 and 2023. They discovered that the percentage of new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes fell from nearly 90% to over 70% from 2019 to 2023. Conversely, the share of new users without diabetes increased from 10% to 25%.
Yee Hui Yeo, a co-first author of the study, noted, “This data suggests that more healthcare providers are recognizing the benefits of these medications for obesity treatment, indicating a significant public health shift. However, it raises concerns about potential medication shortages and emphasizes the need to ensure that diabetes patients still have access to these treatments.”
The study utilized data from the healthcare software firm TriNetX, which may not fully represent national demographics.
GLP-1 drugs have gained popularity due to their ability to suppress appetite, helping users lose up to 26% of their body weight. The skyrocketing sales of these medications have elevated Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to become leading pharmaceutical companies globally. However, the high demand has hindered some patients from obtaining their prescriptions. In response, both companies have invested billions to enhance production capabilities.
Morgan Stanley analysts project the global market for these medications could reach $105 billion by 2030, estimating that approximately 31.5 million people in the U.S. will adopt these drugs by 2035, constituting about 9% of the population.