A new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals that the proportion of individuals without diabetes being prescribed GLP-1 drugs is increasing, while new prescriptions for diabetic patients are declining. This trend raises concerns about potential shortages of these popular medications.
GLP-1 drugs are designed to mimic a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels and reduces appetite. Originally approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, the FDA expanded the use of these treatments, such as Wegovy, for weight loss in 2021.
Both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are facing challenges in meeting the skyrocketing demand for GLP-1 drugs, which include popular medications like Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic.
Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other institutions reviewed the medical records of 45 million Americans who visited a healthcare provider between 2011 and 2023. Their findings indicated that the percentage of new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes dropped from nearly 90% to over 70% from 2019 to 2023. Meanwhile, the segment of new users without diabetes increased from 10% to 25%.
Yee Hui Yeo, co-first author of the study, highlighted that this change suggests a growing recognition among healthcare providers of the benefits these medications offer for treating obesity, marking a significant shift in public health perspectives. However, she also pointed out the necessity to ensure access for diabetic patients amid concerns about medication shortages.
The study utilized data from TriNetX, a healthcare software company whose data may not fully represent the national landscape.
GLP-1 drugs have gained traction for their appetite-suppressing effects, with some users losing up to 26% of their body weight. The surge in sales has catapulted Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to the forefront of the pharmaceutical industry. However, the increased demand has made it difficult for some patients to obtain their prescriptions. Both companies are investing heavily to increase the production of these treatments.
Morgan Stanley analysts project that the global market for GLP-1 drugs could reach $105 billion by 2030, with an anticipated adoption rate of about 31.5 million people in the U.S. by 2035, accounting for approximately 9% of the population.