A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals a concerning trend concerning GLP-1 drugs, which are primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes. While the number of prescriptions for diabetic patients is declining, the proportion of prescriptions for those without diabetes is increasing.
GLP-1 drugs are known for mimicking a hormone that controls blood sugar levels and diminishes appetite. Initially approved for type 2 diabetes treatment, the FDA expanded their use in 2021 to include weight loss treatments, notably with the approval of Wegovy.
Both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are struggling to keep pace with the surging demand for GLP-1 medications, which encompass products like Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic.
Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other institutions analyzed the medical records of 45 million Americans between 2011 and 2023. They discovered that the percentage of new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes decreased from nearly 90% to over 70% from 2019 to 2023. Conversely, the share of new users without diabetes rose from 10% to 25%.
Yee Hui Yeo, co-first author of the study, noted the shift suggests healthcare providers are increasingly recognizing the benefits of these drugs for obesity treatment. However, this trend could also lead to medication shortages, emphasizing the need for continued access for diabetes patients.
The study’s data was derived from the healthcare software company TriNetX and may not reflect national trends.
In recent years, GLP-1 medications have gained popularity due to their appetite-suppressing side effects, which can result in users losing up to 26% of their body weight.
The rising demand for these drugs has significantly boosted Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, positioning them among the most valuable pharmaceutical companies globally. However, the high demand has created challenges in fulfilling prescriptions for some patients. Both companies are investing heavily to enhance their production capabilities.
Morgan Stanley analysts project the global market for GLP-1 drugs will reach $105 billion by 2030, with an estimated 31.5 million individuals in the U.S., or about 9% of the population, expected to adopt these medications by 2035.