A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine indicates a significant trend in the prescription of GLP-1 medications, revealing that the proportion of individuals without diabetes being prescribed these drugs is increasing while prescriptions for diabetic patients are on the decline.
The rise in GLP-1 prescriptions among non-diabetics is attributed to the drug’s effectiveness in mimicking a hormone that regulates blood sugar and suppresses appetite. Initially, these medications were primarily approved for managing type 2 diabetes, but with the FDA’s approval of Wegovy for weight loss in 2021, their application has expanded.
As demand grows, pharmaceutical giants like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are facing production challenges to meet the soaring needs for GLP-1 drugs, which include popular medications such as Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic.
The research, conducted by experts from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other institutions, analyzed medical records from approximately 45 million Americans from 2011 to 2023. Findings revealed that the percentage of new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes decreased from nearly 90% in 2019 to over 70% in 2023. Conversely, the share of new users without diabetes rose from 10% to 25%. Yee Hui Yeo, a co-author of the study, expressed concern about potential medication shortages and emphasized the need to ensure that individuals with diabetes continue to have access to these crucial treatments.
The increasing popularity of GLP-1 drugs can be attributed to their appetite-suppressing side effects, with users reportedly losing up to 26% of their body weight. This surge in demand has significantly boosted the market value of companies like Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, transforming them into some of the most valuable pharmaceutical companies globally. However, these supply challenges have hindered many patients from obtaining their prescriptions. In response, both companies have pledged substantial investments to enhance production capabilities.
Market analysts from Morgan Stanley predict that the global market for GLP-1 medications will reach $105 billion by 2030, estimating that around 31.5 million people in the U.S. – approximately 9% of the population – could be utilizing these drugs by 2035.
In summary, while the shift in GLP-1 prescriptions highlights the growing acknowledgment of obesity as a major health concern, it also raises important questions around medication access for those with existing diabetes. As the demand for these medications rises, collaboration between healthcare providers and pharmaceutical companies will be vital in ensuring that all patients receive the treatments they need.