A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals a rising number of individuals without diabetes being prescribed GLP-1 medications, while new prescriptions for diabetic patients are declining.
Researchers highlight concerns over potential shortages of these treatments as demand increases. GLP-1 drugs, initially approved for type 2 diabetes management, simulate a hormone that controls blood sugar levels and reduces appetite. In 2021, the FDA expanded the approval of GLP-1 treatment Wegovy for weight loss.
Both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, the main producers of GLP-1 drugs such as Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic, are facing challenges in meeting the growing demand.
Analyzing the medical records of 45 million Americans from 2011 to 2023, researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that new users of GLP-1 medications with type 2 diabetes decreased from nearly 90% to over 70%. Conversely, the proportion of new users without diabetes rose from 10% to 25% during the same period.
“This data suggests that more healthcare providers are recognizing the benefits of these medications for treating obesity, marking a significant public health shift,” stated Yee Hui Yeo, a co-first author of the study. “However, this also raises concerns regarding medication shortages and the need to ensure ongoing access for diabetes patients.”
The study utilized data from healthcare software firm TriNetX, which may not represent the entire population.
GLP-1 drugs have gained popularity due to their appetite-suppressing effects, assisting users in achieving weight loss of up to 26%.
Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk have experienced surging sales, establishing themselves as leading pharmaceutical companies globally, but the escalating demand has resulted in difficulties for some patients in filling their prescriptions. Both companies are investing significantly to enhance their production capacities.
Morgan Stanley analysts project that the global market for these drugs may reach $105 billion by 2030, with an expected adoption rate of approximately 31.5 million people in the U.S. by 2035, representing about 9% of the population.