A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals a significant increase in the number of non-diabetic patients being prescribed GLP-1 drugs, while prescriptions for diabetic patients are declining. The study raises concerns about the potential shortages of these treatments, which are primarily used to manage blood sugar and reduce appetite. Initially approved for type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy gained FDA approval for weight loss in 2021.
Both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are facing challenges in keeping up with the surging demand for GLP-1 medications, which include Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic. Research conducted by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center alongside other institutions analyzed medical records from 45 million Americans between 2011 and 2023. Findings indicate that the percentage of GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes dropped from nearly 90% to over 70% from 2019 to 2023, while non-diabetic users increased from 10% to 25%.
Yee Hui Yeo, co-first author of the study, expressed that the data reflects a growing recognition among healthcare providers of the benefits of these drugs for obesity treatment. However, this shift raises significant concerns about ensuring continued access for diabetic patients. The data for the study was sourced from TriNetX, a healthcare software company, although its representativeness on a national scale is uncertain.
In recent years, GLP-1 drugs have gained immense popularity for their effective appetite suppression and potential to aid users in losing up to 26% of their body weight. The soaring sales of these medications have propelled Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to the forefront of the pharmaceutical industry. However, the surge in demand has also created challenges for patients in obtaining their prescriptions. In response, both companies have significantly invested in enhancing production capacities.
Morgan Stanley analysts predict that the global market for GLP-1 drugs will reach $105 billion by 2030, with an estimated 31.5 million people in the U.S.—or about 9% of the population—expected to adopt these treatments by 2035.