A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals a rising trend in the prescription of GLP-1 medications to individuals without diabetes, even as new prescriptions for those with diabetes decline. The study raises concerns about potential shortages of these important treatments.
GLP-1 drugs function by imitating a hormone that manages blood sugar levels and decreases appetite. Originally approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, the FDA expanded the approval of the GLP-1 medication Wegovy for weight loss in 2021.
Since this expansion, both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have faced challenges in meeting the surging demand for GLP-1 medications, which include Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic.
Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and various other institutions examined the medical histories of 45 million Americans who had at least one doctor visit between 2011 and 2023. Their findings indicated that the percentage of new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes declined from nearly 90% in 2019 to just over 70% in 2023. Conversely, the segment of new users without type 2 diabetes experienced an increase from 10% to 25%.
“This data suggests that more healthcare providers are recognizing the benefits of these medications for obesity treatment, marking a significant public health shift,” commented Yee Hui Yeo, co-first author of the study. “However, it also raises concerns about potential medication shortages and emphasizes the importance of ensuring continued access for diabetes patients.”
The study utilized data from healthcare software provider TriNetX, which may not fully represent national statistics.
GLP-1 drugs have gained popularity in recent years due to their ability to suppress appetite effectively, with users reportedly losing up to 26% of their body weight.
The soaring demand for these medications has propelled Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to become the most valuable pharmaceutical companies globally. However, the increased popularity has also led to challenges for some patients in obtaining their prescriptions. Both companies have invested substantial amounts to enhance their production capacity.
Morgan Stanley analysts predict that the global market for GLP-1 drugs will reach $105 billion by 2030, with an expected adoption rate of approximately 31.5 million individuals in the U.S. by 2035, which constitutes around 9% of the population.