A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals a significant shift in the prescription of GLP-1 drugs, showing that the portion of individuals without diabetes receiving these medications is increasing, while new prescriptions for those with diabetes are declining. This trend raises potential concerns regarding medication shortages, as demand for these treatments continues to rise.
GLP-1 drugs, known for mimicking a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and suppress appetite, were originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes. However, the approval of Wegovy for weight loss in 2021 by the FDA has broadened their use. Following this, pharmaceutical companies, particularly Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, have been finding it increasingly challenging to meet this growing demand.
The researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other institutions analyzed the healthcare records of 45 million Americans over the past decade. They found that the percentage of new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes dropped from nearly 90% to over 70% between 2019 and 2023. Conversely, the segment of new users without diabetes surged from 10% to 25%. Yee Hui Yeo, a co-first author of the study, noted that while the rising recognition of the benefits of these medications for treating obesity is a positive development for public health, it necessitates careful attention to ensure that patients with diabetes continue to have access to these essential treatments.
The study utilized data from the healthcare software company TriNetX, which may not provide a comprehensive national overview. Despite this, the popularity of GLP-1 drugs has soared due to their appetite-suppressing effects, with users reportedly losing up to 26% of their body weight.
The dramatic increase in sales of these medications has positioned Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk among the most valuable pharmaceutical companies globally. However, high demand has led to difficulties for some patients in accessing their prescriptions. Both companies have committed billions to boost the production of these essential drugs.
Market analysts predict that the global market for GLP-1 medications could reach $105 billion by 2030, with projections indicating that around 31.5 million people in the U.S.—approximately 9% of the population—will adopt these treatments by 2035.
In summary, while the shift in prescription patterns highlights the growing acknowledgment of the benefits of GLP-1 drugs beyond diabetes treatment, it is crucial for healthcare systems to address potential shortages and ensure that all patients, especially those with diabetes, have access to these valuable medications. This positive development in obesity management may lead to healthier outcomes for many, provided that supply chain issues can be effectively managed.