A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine highlights a growing trend: an increasing number of individuals without diabetes are being prescribed GLP-1 medications, coinciding with a decline in new prescriptions for those with diabetes. Researchers have raised concerns about potential shortages of these vital treatments.
GLP-1 drugs are designed to mimic a hormone that controls blood sugar levels and suppresses appetite. Initially approved for treating type 2 diabetes, the FDA expanded this approval in 2021 to include Wegovy for weight loss.
Both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are finding it challenging to keep up with the soaring demand for GLP-1 medications, which include Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic.
The study conducted by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other institutions examined the medical records of 45 million Americans who visited a doctor between 2011 and 2023. Results indicated that the proportion of new GLP-1 users diagnosed with type 2 diabetes decreased from nearly 90% to over 70% from 2019 to 2023, while those without type 2 diabetes rose from 10% to 25%.
Yee Hui Yeo, a co-first author of the study, noted, “This data suggests that more healthcare providers are recognizing the benefits of these medications for treating obesity, indicating a significant public health shift. However, it also raises concerns about potential medication shortages and the necessity to ensure that diabetic patients still have access to these treatments.”
The study derived its data from the healthcare software company TriNetX, which may not reflect national trends adequately.
In recent years, GLP-1 drugs have gained popularity due to their appetite-reducing effects and the potential for users to lose up to 26% of their body weight.
The skyrocketing sales of these drugs have propelled Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to the forefront of the pharmaceutical industry. However, the high demand has created challenges for patients trying to fill their prescriptions. In response, both companies have invested billions to increase production capabilities.
Morgan Stanley analysts predict that the global market for GLP-1 medications could reach $105 billion by 2030, estimating that approximately 31.5 million people in the U.S., or about 9% of the population, will be using these drugs by 2035.