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 diabetic patients are declining. This shift raises concerns about potential shortages of these crucial medications.
GLP-1 drugs, which mimic a hormone that regulates blood sugar and curbs appetite, were initially approved for treating type 2 diabetes. The approval of Wegovy for weight loss by the Food and Drug Administration in 2021 has contributed to the increased demand for these treatments. Both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have experienced difficulties in keeping up with this demand for their GLP-1 medications, which include Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic.
Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other institutions examined the medical records 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 dropped from nearly 90% to over 70% from 2019 to 2023. Conversely, the proportion of new users without diabetes increased from 10% to 25%.
Yee Hui Yeo, co-first author of the study, commented that this data indicates a notable public health shift, as more healthcare providers recognize the potential benefits of these medications for obesity treatment. However, the rising popularity among non-diabetic patients raises the issue of ensuring that individuals with diabetes maintain access to these essential therapies.
Despite using data from the healthcare software company TriNetX, which may not fully represent the national landscape, the study highlights the growing acceptance of GLP-1 medications as tools for weight management. These drugs have gained popularity for their ability to help users lose up to 26% of their body weight.
The surge in sales of GLP-1 drugs has positioned Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk among the world’s most valuable pharmaceutical companies. However, this soaring demand has led to challenges for some patients trying to fill their prescriptions. Both companies are investing billions to enhance their production capabilities for these medications.
Morgan Stanley analysts project that the global market for GLP-1 drugs will reach $105 billion by 2030, expecting about 31.5 million people in the U.S. to adopt these treatments by 2035, representing roughly 9% of the population.