A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals a striking shift in the prescription patterns of GLP-1 medications, highlighting a growing number of prescriptions to individuals without diabetes, while the rate of new prescriptions for those with diabetes is declining.
GLP-1 drugs, which work by mimicking a hormone that regulates blood sugar and curbs appetite, were initially approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, the landscape changed in 2021 with the FDA’s approval of Wegovy for weight loss. As a result, pharmaceutical companies like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are now facing challenges in meeting the soaring demand for these medications, which include Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic.
Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and collaborating institutions analyzed medical records of 45 million Americans from 2011 to 2023. They found 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 proportion of new users without diabetes rose from 10% to 25%. Co-first author Yee Hui Yeo noted that this trend indicates a broader acceptance of GLP-1 medications for obesity treatment, signifying a notable public health shift. However, there are concerns about potential shortages that could affect diabetes patients’ access to these vital treatments.
The demand for GLP-1 drugs has skyrocketed, significantly boosting the market value of Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk. Analysts from Morgan Stanley predict the global market for these medications could reach $105 billion by 2030, with around 31.5 million people in the U.S. expected to adopt these treatments by 2035.
This study underscores the increasing recognition of GLP-1 drugs beyond just diabetes management. Hopefully, as the pharmaceutical companies continue to ramp up production, more people will gain access to these beneficial treatments, whether for diabetes management or weight loss, ultimately contributing to improved public health outcomes.
In summary, while rising prescriptions for non-diabetic patients highlight the potential for broader applications of GLP-1 drugs, it raises important questions about future accessibility for those with diabetes, necessitating proactive measures in addressing production shortages.