A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals an increasing trend in the prescription of GLP-1 medications to individuals without diabetes, while the number of new prescriptions for those with diabetes is declining. The study raises concerns about potential shortages related to these treatments.
GLP-1 drugs, which mimic a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and suppress appetite, were originally approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. In 2021, the FDA expanded approval for Wegovy for weight loss purposes.
Since this expanded usage, both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have faced challenges in meeting the growing demand for GLP-1 medications, including Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic.
Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other institutions examined the medical records of 45 million Americans who saw a doctor between 2011 and 2023. They found that the percentage of new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes dropped from nearly 90% in 2019 to over 70% in 2023. Meanwhile, the percentage of new GLP-1 users without diabetes rose from 10% to 25%.
Co-first author Yee Hui Yeo noted, “This data suggests that more healthcare providers are seeing the benefits of these medications for treating obesity, which is a significant public health shift. However, it also raises concerns about potential medication shortages and the need to ensure that patients with diabetes still have access to these treatments.”
The research utilized data from the healthcare software firm TriNetX, which may not represent the entire population of the U.S.
In recent years, GLP-1 drugs have gained popularity due to their appetite-suppressing effects and the potential for users to lose up to 26% of their body weight. The surging sales have propelled Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk into the ranks of the world’s most valuable pharmaceutical companies, yet the high demand has also complicated prescription fulfillment for some patients. The companies have invested billions to enhance their production capabilities.
Morgan Stanley analysts project that the global market for GLP-1 drugs could reach $105 billion by 2030, with an estimated 31.5 million people in the U.S. using these medications by 2035, representing about 9% of the population.