A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals a growing trend of non-diabetic patients being prescribed GLP-1 medications, while new prescriptions for individuals with diabetes are declining. This shift raises concerns about possible shortages of these treatments.
GLP-1 drugs are designed to mimic a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels and appetite. Initially approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, the FDA expanded the approval of the GLP-1 medication Wegovy for weight loss in 2021.
As a result, pharmaceutical companies like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are facing challenges in meeting the surging demand for GLP-1 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 who visited doctors between 2011 and 2023. Their findings indicate that the percentage of new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes decreased from nearly 90% to more than 70% between 2019 and 2023. During this same period, the portion of new GLP-1 users without type 2 diabetes increased from 10% to 25%.
Co-first author of the study, Yee Hui Yeo, commented on the findings, stating, “This data suggests that more healthcare providers are recognizing the benefits of these medications for treating obesity, which indicates a significant public health shift. However, it also raises concerns about potential medication shortages and the necessity of ensuring that patients with diabetes continue to have access to these treatments.”
The analysis employed data from the healthcare software company TriNetX, which may not accurately represent national trends.
GLP-1 drugs have gained popularity in recent years due to their appetite-suppressing effects, aiding users in achieving weight loss of up to 26% of their body weight.
With soaring sales, Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk have become some of the most valuable pharmaceutical companies globally. However, the high demand has made it difficult for some patients to obtain their prescriptions. Both companies have invested substantial amounts to increase their production capacity.
Morgan Stanley analysts predict that the global market for these drugs will reach $105 billion by 2030 and expect that the number of users in the U.S. will rise to around 31.5 million by 2035, accounting for about 9% of the population.