A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals a concerning shift in the prescription patterns of GLP-1 drugs. While prescriptions for individuals with diabetes are declining, the number of prescriptions for those without diabetes is on the rise.
GLP-1 medications, initially approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, function by mimicking a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels and curbs appetite. In 2021, the FDA expanded the approval of the GLP-1 drug Wegovy for weight loss, further increasing its popularity.
As demand for GLP-1 medications climbs, both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are struggling to maintain adequate production levels. This class of drugs includes Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic.
The research team from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other organizations analyzed medical records of 45 million Americans with doctor visits between 2011 and 2023. They discovered that the proportion of new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes dropped from nearly 90% in 2019 to over 70% by 2023. Conversely, the percentage of new users without diabetes surged from 10% to 25%.
Yee Hui Yeo, co-first author of the study, noted that this trend indicates a growing recognition among healthcare providers of the advantages these medications offer for treating obesity. However, she expressed concern over the potential for medication shortages and the necessity for diabetes patients to have continued access to these critical treatments.
The study relied on data from TriNetX, a healthcare software company, which might not be fully representative of the national population.
In recent years, GLP-1 drugs have gained popularity for their weight loss benefits, with some users losing up to 26% of their body weight. The skyrocketing sales of these medications have propelled Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to become some of the most valuable pharmaceutical companies globally, but high demand has made it challenging for some patients to fill their prescriptions. Both companies have invested billions to expand their production capabilities.
Morgan Stanley analysts project that the global market for GLP-1 drugs could reach $105 billion by 2030, with an estimated 31.5 million individuals in the U.S. adopting these medications by 2035, representing about 9% of the population.