A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals a growing trend in prescribed GLP-1 drugs among individuals without diabetes, coinciding with a decrease in new prescriptions for those with diabetes. Researchers express concern that this shift could lead to potential shortages of these treatments.
GLP-1 drugs simulate hormones that help regulate blood sugar and curb appetite. Initially approved for treating type 2 diabetes, the FDA extended approval in 2021 for Wegovy, a GLP-1 treatment aimed at weight loss.
Both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are currently facing challenges in meeting the increasing demand for these medications, which include Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic.
The study, conducted by researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other institutions, analyzed the medical records of 45 million Americans who visited healthcare professionals from 2011 to 2023. Findings show that the percentage of new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes decreased from nearly 90% to over 70% between 2019 and 2023, while those without diabetes increased from 10% to 25%.
Yee Hui Yeo, a co-first author of the study, highlighted that the data suggests healthcare providers are increasingly recognizing the benefits of these medications for treating obesity, signaling a significant public health shift. However, there are concerns regarding medication shortages and ensuring continued access for diabetes patients.
The data used in the study was sourced from the healthcare software firm TriNetX, and may not accurately represent the national population.
GLP-1 drugs have gained popularity for their appetite-suppressing effects, enabling users to lose up to 26% of their body weight. The surge in sales has propelled Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to become some of the most valuable pharmaceutical companies globally. Despite the rising demand leading to prescription fulfillment difficulties for some patients, both companies have invested heavily to boost production.
Morgan Stanley analysts predict the global market for GLP-1 drugs will reach $105 billion by 2030, with expected usage climbing to approximately 31.5 million people in the U.S. by 2035, representing about 9% of the population.