Rising Demand for GLP-1 Drugs Sparks Concerns Over Accessibility

A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals a growing trend of non-diabetic individuals being prescribed GLP-1 drugs, while new prescriptions for diabetic patients are decreasing. Researchers express concern that this shift could lead to shortages of these medications.

GLP-1 drugs are designed to imitate a hormone that helps control blood sugar levels and curb appetite. Initially approved for treating type 2 diabetes, the FDA expanded the use of Wegovy, a GLP-1 treatment, for weight management in 2021.

Both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are currently facing challenges in keeping up with the heightened demand for GLP-1 medications, which include Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic.

The study, conducted by researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other institutions, analyzed medical records of 45 million Americans with doctor visits between 2011 and 2023. The findings indicated that the percentage of new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes dropped from nearly 90% in 2019 to over 70% by 2023, while the share of new users without diabetes increased from 10% to 25%.

“This data suggests that more healthcare providers are recognizing the benefits of these medications for treating obesity, which is a significant public health shift,” said Yee Hui Yeo, a co-first author of the study. “However, it also raises concerns about potential medication shortages and the need to ensure that patients with diabetes still have access to these treatments.”

The study’s data stemmed from TriNetX, a healthcare software company, although it may not represent the entire national population. In recent years, the appetite-suppressant effects of GLP-1 drugs have increased their popularity, helping users lose up to 26% of their body weight.

The surge in sales has propelled Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to become two of the most valuable pharmaceutical companies globally. Yet, the high demand has made it difficult for some patients to obtain their prescriptions. In response, both companies have invested billions to enhance their production capabilities.

Morgan Stanley analysts project that the global market for GLP-1 drugs could reach $105 billion by 2030, with approximately 31.5 million individuals in the U.S., or about 9% of the population, expected to adopt these treatments by 2035.

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