A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals a growing trend of individuals without diabetes being prescribed GLP-1 medications, while new prescriptions for diabetic patients are on the decline. This shift raises concerns about potential shortages of these crucial treatments.
GLP-1 drugs, which mimic a hormone that manages blood sugar and curbs appetite, were originally approved for type 2 diabetes treatment. In 2021, the FDA authorized the use of Wegovy, a GLP-1 medication, for weight management.
Both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are facing challenges in meeting the increasing demand for GLP-1 drugs, which include Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic.
The research team from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other organizations examined the medical records of 45 million Americans who visited doctors between 2011 and 2023. They observed a decline in the share of new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes from nearly 90% to over 70% between 2019 and 2023, while the percentage of new users without diabetes rose from 10% to 25%.
“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, the study’s co-first author. “However, it also raises concerns about potential medication shortages and ensuring patients with diabetes have continued access to these treatments.”
The research utilized data from healthcare software company TriNetX, which may not represent a nationwide demographic.
GLP-1 medications have gained popularity for their appetite-suppressing effects, helping users shed up to 26% of their body weight.
The soaring sales of these drugs have positioned Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk as two of the world’s most valuable pharmaceutical companies, yet the high demand has complicated prescription fulfillment for some patients. In response, both companies have committed billions to enhance their production capabilities.
Morgan Stanley analysts forecast that the global market for GLP-1 drugs may reach $105 billion by 2030, projecting that around 31.5 million people, or roughly 9% of the U.S. population, will adopt these medications by 2035.