A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals a significant shift in the prescription practices of GLP-1 drugs. The research indicates that an increasing number of individuals without diabetes are being prescribed these medications, while new prescriptions for those with diabetes are on the decline.
The study raises concerns about potential shortages of GLP-1 treatments, which mimic a hormone that regulates blood sugar and curbs appetite. Initially approved for treating type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 drugs gained further attention after the FDA authorized Wegovy for weight loss in 2021.
Pharmaceutical companies Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are currently facing challenges in producing sufficient GLP-1 medications, including Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic, to satisfy growing demand.
Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center analyzed medical records from 45 million American patients who visited a doctor from 2011 to 2023. They found that the proportion of new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes decreased from nearly 90% in 2019 to over 70% in 2023, while the share of new users without diabetes rose from 10% to 25%.
Yee Hui Yeo, a co-first author of the study, noted that this trend indicates a growing recognition among healthcare providers of the benefits these medications offer for obesity treatment. However, it also underscores the importance of ensuring that diabetic patients continue to have access to these essential treatments.
The study utilized data from TriNetX, a healthcare software company, although it may not fully represent national trends.
GLP-1 drugs have surged in popularity for their weight-loss benefits, with studies showing users can lose up to 26% of their body weight. The rising demand for these medications has significantly increased the market value of Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, yet it has also created obstacles for some patients in obtaining their prescriptions. Both companies are investing heavily to boost production.
According to Morgan Stanley analysts, the global market for GLP-1 drugs is projected to reach $105 billion by 2030, with an estimated 31.5 million people in the U.S., roughly 9% of the population, expected to adopt these medications by 2035.