A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine indicates a notable shift in the prescribing patterns of GLP-1 drugs, as more individuals without diabetes are being prescribed these treatments, while new prescriptions for patients with diabetes are declining.
This trend raises concerns about potential shortages of GLP-1 medications. These drugs are designed to mimic a hormone that helps manage blood sugar levels and decrease appetite. Initially approved for treating type 2 diabetes, the FDA expanded their approval in 2021 to include Wegovy for weight loss.
Both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, major manufacturers of GLP-1 medications, are facing challenges in producing sufficient quantities to meet the growing demand. The study conducted by researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other institutions analyzed the medical records of 45 million Americans who visited healthcare providers between 2011 and 2023. Findings revealed that the percentage of new GLP-1 prescriptions for patients with type 2 diabetes decreased from nearly 90% in 2019 to over 70% by 2023. Conversely, the share of new prescribers for individuals without diabetes increased from 10% to 25%.
Yee Hui Yeo, co-first author of the study, expressed that the data reflects a significant shift in how healthcare professionals view the benefits of these medications for obesity treatment. However, this trend also underlines concerns regarding medication availability for diabetes patients.
The surge in popularity of GLP-1 drugs can be attributed to their appetite-suppressing effects, with studies showing potential weight loss of up to 26%. The substantial demand has boosted the market value of Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, making them leaders in the pharmaceutical sector. Nevertheless, the high demand is complicating access for some patients requiring these medications.
Morgan Stanley analysts project that the global market for GLP-1 drugs could soar to $105 billion by 2030, with an expected adoption rate in the U.S. reaching approximately 31.5 million individuals, or 9% of the population, by 2035.