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 those with diabetes are declining. The researchers caution that this trend may lead to potential shortages of these essential treatments.
GLP-1 drugs are designed to mimic a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels and suppress appetite. Initially approved for treating type 2 diabetes, the FDA expanded approval in 2021 to include the GLP-1 medication Wegovy for weight loss purposes.
Both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are facing challenges in meeting the increasing demand for GLP-1 medications, which include Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic.
Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other institutions analyzed medical records for 45 million Americans who visited a doctor between 2011 and 2023. Their findings indicate that the percentage of new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes decreased from nearly 90% in 2019 to over 70% in 2023. Conversely, the percentage of new users without diabetes increased from 10% to 25%.
Yee Hui Yeo, a co-first author of the study, noted that this data indicates a shift in how healthcare providers are recognizing the benefits of these medications in addressing obesity. However, this trend raises concerns about ensuring ongoing access for diabetes patients who need these treatments.
The study utilized data from healthcare software provider TriNetX, although the data may not fully represent the national landscape.
In recent years, GLP-1 drugs have gained popularity for their appetite-suppressing effects, with users reportedly losing up to 26% of their body weight. The surge in demand has propelled Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to become two of the most valuable pharmaceutical firms globally. However, the high demand has also complicated prescription fulfillment for some patients, prompting both companies to invest significantly in increasing production capacity.
Morgan Stanley analysts project that the global market for GLP-1 drugs could reach $105 billion by 2030, with an expected 31.5 million people in the U.S.—approximately 9% of the population—utilizing these medications by 2035.