A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals a significant increase in the number of individuals without diabetes being prescribed GLP-1 medications, while new prescriptions for those with diabetes are declining. Researchers warn that this shift could lead to potential shortages of these important treatments.
GLP-1 drugs function by imitating a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels and curbs appetite. Initially approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, these medications gained wider recognition when the FDA approved Wegovy for weight management in 2021.
Both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are currently facing challenges in producing sufficient quantities of GLP-1 medications, which include Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic, to satisfy the increasing demand.
The study, conducted by researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other institutions, analyzed the medical records of 45 million Americans who visited healthcare providers between 2011 and 2023. Findings indicated that the percentage of new GLP-1 users diagnosed with type 2 diabetes dropped from nearly 90% to over 70% between 2019 and 2023. Conversely, the share of new users without diabetes rose from 10% to 25%.
Yee Hui Yeo, a co-first author of the study, noted that these trends highlight a growing acknowledgment among healthcare providers regarding the benefits of GLP-1 drugs for obesity treatment. However, she expressed concern about the implications for diabetes patients and the potential for medication shortages.
The study utilized data from healthcare software firm TriNetX, which may not be fully representative of the broader population. GLP-1 drugs have gained popularity for their weight-loss effects, reportedly enabling users to shed up to 26% of their body weight.
Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk have become leading pharmaceutical companies globally due to skyrocketing sales of these medications, even as high demand complicates prescription fulfillment for some patients. Both companies have invested significantly to boost production.
Morgan Stanley analysts project that the global market for GLP-1 drugs could reach $105 billion by 2030, with an estimated 31.5 million people in the U.S. adopting these treatments by 2035, accounting for approximately 9% of the population.