A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals a growing trend in the prescription of GLP-1 drugs among individuals without diabetes, while the number of new prescriptions for diabetes patients is declining. The researchers express concern that this shift may lead to a shortage of these vital treatments.
GLP-1 drugs are designed to mimic a hormone that regulates blood sugar and helps reduce appetite. Initially approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, the FDA also granted approval for the use of Wegovy, a GLP-1 treatment, for weight loss in 2021.
Both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are currently facing challenges in meeting the soaring demand for GLP-1 medications, which include Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic.
Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and several other institutions reviewed the medical records of 45 million Americans who visited doctors between 2011 and 2023. Their findings indicated a decrease in the percentage of new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes from nearly 90% in 2019 to over 70% in 2023. Conversely, the proportion of new users without diabetes increased from 10% to 25%.
Yee Hui Yeo, co-first author of the study, noted that this trend reflects a significant public health shift, as healthcare providers increasingly recognize the advantages of these medications for obesity treatment. However, there are growing concerns regarding potential shortages and the importance of ensuring continued access to these drugs for diabetes patients.
The study utilized data from TriNetX, a healthcare software provider, which may not fully represent national trends.
In recent years, GLP-1 medications have gained popularity for their appetite-suppressing effects, with users reportedly losing up to 26% of their body weight.
The surge in sales of these drugs has propelled Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to become some of the most valuable pharmaceutical companies globally. Yet, the high demand has complicated prescription fulfillment for some patients, prompting both companies to invest billions in increasing production capacity.
Morgan Stanley analysts project that the global market for GLP-1 medications will reach $105 billion by 2030. They also estimate that the number of users in the U.S. will rise to approximately 31.5 million by 2035, accounting for around 9% of the population.