A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals an increasing trend of prescriptions for GLP-1 medications among individuals without diabetes, while new prescriptions for those with diabetes are declining. Researchers highlight concerns about potential shortages of these treatments as a result of this shift.
GLP-1 drugs, which mimic a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and curbs appetite, were originally approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, in 2021, the FDA authorized the use of the GLP-1 medication Wegovy for weight loss. Following this approval, companies like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have faced challenges in meeting the soaring demand for GLP-1 drugs, including popular medications such as Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic.
Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other institutions examined the medical records of 45 million Americans who visited a doctor between 2011 and 2023. Their findings indicate that the percentage of new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes dropped from nearly 90% in 2019 to over 70% by 2023. Conversely, the proportion of new users without type 2 diabetes increased from 10% to 25%.
Yee Hui Yeo, co-first author of the study, commented on the findings, noting that more healthcare providers are recognizing the benefits of these medications for obesity treatment, signaling a significant public health change. However, this trend raises alarms about ensuring diabetes patients retain access to necessary treatments.
The data for the study was sourced from the healthcare software company TriNetX, which may not represent the national population accurately. In recent years, the popularity of GLP-1 drugs has surged due to their effectiveness in suppressing appetite and facilitating body weight loss of up to 26%.
The increasing sales of these medications have elevated Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk into the ranks of the world’s most valuable pharmaceutical companies. However, the high demand has made it challenging for some patients to fill their prescriptions. In response, both companies have invested heavily to boost production.
Morgan Stanley analysts predict that the global market for GLP-1 medications could reach $105 billion by 2030. They also expect that approximately 31.5 million people in the U.S., or about 9% of the population, will adopt these drugs by 2035.