A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals a growing trend of GLP-1 drug prescriptions among individuals without diabetes, while prescriptions for those with diabetes are declining. Researchers are concerned that this shift may lead to potential shortages of these medications.
GLP-1 drugs are designed to imitate a hormone that manages blood sugar levels and curbs appetite. Initially approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, the FDA granted approval for Wegovy, a GLP-1 treatment, for weight management in 2021.
Both Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk are currently 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 had at least one doctor’s visit from 2011 to 2023. The analysis showed that the percentage of new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes dropped from nearly 90% in 2019 to over 70% in 2023, while the rate of new users without diabetes rose from 10% to 25%.
Yee Hui Yeo, co-first author of the study, noted, “This data suggests that more healthcare providers are recognizing the benefits of these medications for obesity treatment, which marks a significant public health change. However, it also raises concerns regarding potential medication shortages and the necessity to ensure continued access for diabetes patients.”
The study’s findings are based on data from TriNetX, a healthcare software company, though the results may not represent the entire national population.
In recent years, GLP-1 drugs have gained popularity for their appetite-suppressing effects, helping users achieve weight loss of up to 26% of their body weight.
The soaring sales of these drugs have positioned Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk among the most valuable pharmaceutical firms globally. Nonetheless, the heightened demand has caused difficulties for some patients in obtaining their prescriptions. Both companies have invested significant resources to enhance their production capabilities.
Analysts from Morgan Stanley predict that the global market for GLP-1 medications will reach $105 billion by 2030, estimating that about 31.5 million people, or approximately 9% of the U.S. population, will adopt these treatments by 2035.