A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine highlights a significant trend concerning the prescription of GLP-1 drugs. The research indicates that the number of individuals without diabetes being prescribed these medications is on the rise, while new prescriptions for individuals diagnosed with diabetes are declining.
Researchers warn that this shift could lead to potential shortages of these crucial treatments. GLP-1 drugs, which mimic hormones that regulate blood sugar and appetite, were originally approved for treating type 2 diabetes. However, in 2021, the FDA expanded usage approval for Wegovy as a weight loss treatment.
Currently, companies like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are struggling to meet the demand for GLP-1 drugs, which include Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic.
A team from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other institutions analyzed medical records of 45 million Americans who had at least one doctor’s visit between 2011 and 2023. Their findings revealed that the percentage of new GLP-1 users diagnosed with type 2 diabetes decreased from nearly 90% in 2019 to over 70% in 2023, while new users without diabetes increased from 10% to 25%.
Co-first author Yee Hui Yeo remarked that this data suggests an increasing acknowledgment among healthcare providers about the benefits of these medications for obesity treatment. However, there are rising concerns regarding the accessibility of these drugs for diabetes patients.
The study relied on data from the healthcare software company TriNetX, which may not fully represent the national landscape.
In recent years, GLP-1 drugs have gained popularity due to their appetite-suppressing properties, leading to users losing up to 26% of body weight.
The soaring demand for these medications has significantly boosted the valuations of Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, making them among the most valuable pharmaceutical companies globally. However, the increased demand has also led to challenges for some patients in filling their prescriptions. Both companies have poured billions into expanding production capabilities.
Morgan Stanley analysts project that the global market for GLP-1 drugs could reach $105 billion by 2030, with an expected adoption rate of about 31.5 million users in the U.S., equating to roughly 9% of the population, by 2035.