The proportion of people without diabetes who are being prescribed GLP-1 medications is increasing, while new prescriptions for those with diabetes are declining, according to a recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic, available in pill form, has been shown to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. However, the increasing trend of GLP-1 prescriptions for individuals without diabetes raises concerns about potential shortages of these drugs, the study’s authors noted.
Originally approved for type 2 diabetes treatment, GLP-1 medications mimic hormones that regulate blood sugar and suppress appetite. The FDA expanded their use in 2021 by approving Wegovy for weight loss.
Both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, competitors in the GLP-1 medication market, are currently facing challenges in producing enough of these drugs to meet growing demand. Their product lineup includes Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic.
Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other institutions analyzed medical records of 45 million Americans who had at least one doctor visit 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, while those without diabetes jumped from 10% to 25%.
“This data suggests that more healthcare providers are recognizing the benefits of these medications for obesity treatment, indicating a significant public health shift,” stated Yee Hui Yeo, co-first author of the study. “However, it also raises concerns about potential medication shortages and the importance of ensuring patients with diabetes still have access to these treatments.”
The research relied on data from TriNetX, a healthcare software company, which may not provide a comprehensive national representation.
In recent years, GLP-1 medications have gained popularity due to their appetite-suppressing effects, with users reportedly losing up to 26% of their body weight.
The soaring sales of these drugs have elevated Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to the status of the most valuable pharmaceutical companies globally. However, the high demand has made it challenging for some patients to fill their prescriptions. Both companies have invested billions in efforts to increase production.
Morgan Stanley analysts predict that the global market for GLP-1 drugs will reach $105 billion by 2030, estimating that approximately 31.5 million people in the U.S. will adopt these treatments, representing about 9% of the population by 2035.