The number of individuals without diabetes being prescribed GLP-1 medications is increasing, while new prescriptions for those with diabetes are declining, according to a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
This trend is raising concerns about potential shortages of these important treatments. GLP-1 drugs, initially approved to treat type 2 diabetes, mimic a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and reduce appetite. In 2021, the FDA expanded the approval of GLP-1 treatment Wegovy for weight loss.
Both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are currently struggling to meet the surging demand for GLP-1 drugs, which include 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 revealed a decline in the percentage of new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes, dropping from nearly 90% to over 70% from 2019 to 2023. Conversely, the proportion of new users without type 2 diabetes increased from 10% to 25%.
“This data suggests that more healthcare providers are recognizing the benefits of these medications for obesity treatment, marking a significant public health shift,” stated Yee Hui Yeo, co-first author of the study. “However, it also raises concerns about ensuring that patients with diabetes continue to have access to these treatments.”
The study utilized data from healthcare software company TriNetX, which may not represent the national population accurately.
In recent years, GLP-1 medications have gained popularity due to their appetite-suppressing effects, enabling users to lose up to 26% of their body weight.
The soaring sales of these drugs have propelled Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to become some of the most valuable pharmaceutical companies globally. However, high demand has created challenges for patients in obtaining their prescriptions. Both firms have invested heavily to boost production capacity.
Morgan Stanley analysts project that the global market for these drugs could reach $105 billion by 2030, with an estimated 31.5 million people in the U.S. using them by 2035, accounting for about 9% of the population.