A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals a growing trend where an increasing number of individuals without diabetes are being prescribed GLP-1 medications, while new prescriptions for people with diabetes are declining. The study highlights potential concerns about shortages of these treatments.
GLP-1 drugs, which imitate a hormone that manages blood sugar levels and curbs appetite, were initially sanctioned for treating type 2 diabetes. However, with the FDA’s approval of Wegovy for weight loss in 2021, the landscape has changed. Consequently, companies such as Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are facing challenges in keeping up with the high demand for these medications, which include Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic.
Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other institutions examined the medical records of 45 million Americans between 2011 and 2023. Their findings indicate a decline in the percentage of new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes, dropping from nearly 90% to over 70% from 2019 to 2023. Conversely, the share of new users without type 2 diabetes rose from 10% to 25%.
Yee Hui Yeo, co-first author of the study, stated, “This data suggests that more healthcare providers are recognizing the benefits of these medications for treating obesity, marking a significant public health shift. However, it also raises concerns about potential medication shortages and the necessity to ensure that diabetes patients continue to have access to these treatments.”
The study utilized data from the healthcare software company TriNetX, although it may not be entirely representative of the national population. In recent years, GLP-1 drugs have gained popularity due to their effectiveness in reducing appetite, helping users achieve weight loss of up to 26%.
The surge in sales of these medications has significantly elevated Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to become some of the most valuable pharmaceutical companies globally. Despite their substantial investments to boost production, many patients still face difficulties in filling their prescriptions.
Morgan Stanley analysts project that the global market for GLP-1 drugs could reach $105 billion by 2030, with an anticipated increase in adoption among approximately 31.5 million people in the U.S. by 2035, accounting for about 9% of the population.