A new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals an emerging trend where the number of individuals without diabetes receiving prescriptions for GLP-1 drugs is increasing, while prescriptions for those with diabetes are decreasing.
The authors of the study express concerns that this shift might lead to potential shortages of these important treatments. GLP-1 medications, originally approved for type 2 diabetes management, work by mimicking a hormone that controls blood sugar levels and reduces appetite. In 2021, Wegovy, a GLP-1 drug specifically for weight loss, gained FDA approval, further expanding the use of these medications.
Both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are facing challenges in keeping up with the rising demand for GLP-1 drugs, including Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic.
Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other institutions examined the medical records of 45 million Americans who visited doctors between 2011 and 2023. Their findings indicate that the percentage of new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes has decreased from nearly 90% in 2019 to over 70% in 2023. In contrast, the percentage of new users without diabetes has surged from 10% to 25%.
Co-first author Yee Hui Yeo noted the significant public health shift, highlighting that more healthcare providers are recognizing the benefits of these medications for obesity treatment. However, she also emphasized the importance of ensuring that diabetes patients continue to have access to these vital therapies.
The study utilized 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 attributes, with users reportedly losing up to 26% of their body weight.
This surge in sales has propelled Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to become the most valuable pharmaceutical companies globally. Nonetheless, high demand has created challenges for patients seeking to fill their prescriptions. Both companies have invested substantial resources to enhance their production capabilities.
Morgan Stanley analysts project that the global market for GLP-1 drugs could reach $105 billion by 2030, with the anticipated adoption of these medications potentially affecting approximately 31.5 million people in the U.S. by 2035, constituting about 9% of the population.