A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals a notable shift in the prescribing patterns of GLP-1 medications. While new prescriptions for individuals with diabetes are declining, the number of prescriptions given to those without diabetes is on the rise.
The study highlights concerns regarding potential shortages of these essential treatments. GLP-1 drugs, initially approved for type 2 diabetes management, function by mimicking a hormone that regulates blood sugar and curbs appetite. The FDA expanded their use in 2021, approving Wegovy for weight loss.
Pharmaceutical companies Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are currently facing challenges in meeting the escalating demand for these GLP-1 medications, which include Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic.
Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other institutions analyzed the medical records of 45 million Americans who visited a healthcare provider between 2011 and 2023. Their findings indicate that the percentage of new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes decreased from nearly 90% to over 70% between 2019 and 2023. Conversely, the share of new users without type 2 diabetes increased from 10% to 25%.
Yee Hui Yeo, a co-first author of the study, commented on the implications of this data, noting that it reflects a growing recognition among healthcare providers of the medications’ benefits for obesity treatment, which signals a significant shift in public health. However, he highlighted the necessity of ensuring that diabetic patients maintain access to these vital medications in light of potential shortages.
The study utilized data from TriNetX, a healthcare software company, though the sample may not fully represent the national landscape. GLP-1 medications have surged in popularity due to their appetite-suppressing effects, with users reportedly losing up to 26% of their body weight.
As demand for these drugs skyrockets, Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk have become leading pharmaceutical companies globally. Nonetheless, filling prescriptions has become difficult for some patients. Both companies have poured billions into scaling up production.
Morgan Stanley projects the global market for GLP-1 drugs will reach $105 billion by 2030, with an estimated 31.5 million users in the U.S. by 2035, approximately 9% of the population.