A new study reveals that the percentage of individuals without diabetes being prescribed GLP-1 medications is on the rise, while new prescriptions for those with diabetes are declining. This research was published in the Annals of Internal Medicine on Tuesday.
The study highlights concerns about potential shortages of these treatments, as GLP-1 drugs are designed to mimic a hormone that manages blood sugar levels and curbs appetite. Initially approved for treating type 2 diabetes, the FDA expanded the use of the GLP-1 medication Wegovy for weight management in 2021.
Both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, major manufacturers of GLP-1 drugs like Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic, are currently facing production challenges to meet the soaring demand for these medications.
Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other institutions examined medical records from 45 million Americans who visited healthcare providers between 2011 and 2023. Their findings indicated that the share of new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes dropped from nearly 90% to over 70% from 2019 to 2023, while those without type 2 diabetes climbed from 10% to 25%.
“This data suggests that more healthcare providers are recognizing the advantages of these medications for treating obesity, marking a significant public health shift,” said Yee Hui Yeo, a co-first author of the study. “However, it raises concerns about potential medication shortages and highlights the necessity for patients with diabetes to maintain access to these treatments.”
The research utilized data from the healthcare software company TriNetX, which may not fully represent the national scenario.
Recently, GLP-1 drugs have gained popularity for their appetite-suppressing effects, enabling users to lose up to 26% of their body weight.
The surge in sales of these medications has positioned Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk as some of the most valuable pharmaceutical companies globally, yet the high demand has made it challenging for certain patients to obtain their prescriptions. Both companies are investing significantly to enhance their production capabilities.
Morgan Stanley analysts predict that the market for these drugs will reach $105 billion by 2030. Additionally, they expect approximately 31.5 million individuals in the U.S., around 9% of the population, to adopt these drugs by 2035.