A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals a growing trend of GLP-1 drug prescriptions among individuals without diabetes, while new prescriptions for those with diabetes are declining. Researchers caution that this shift may contribute to potential shortages of these essential treatments.
GLP-1 medications are designed to mimic a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and curbs appetite. Initially approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, the FDA expanded their use in 2021 to include weight loss treatments such as Wegovy.
Both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are currently facing challenges in meeting the surging demand for GLP-1 drugs, including Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic.
The research team, including experts from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, examined the medical records of 45 million Americans who visited a healthcare provider between 2011 and 2023. Their findings indicated that the percentage of new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes dropped from nearly 90% in 2019 to over 70% in 2023. Conversely, the proportion of new users without type 2 diabetes increased from 10% to 25%.
Yee Hui Yeo, co-first author of the study, noted, “This data suggests that more healthcare providers are recognizing the benefits of these medications for treating obesity, marking a significant public health shift. However, it also raises concerns about potential medication shortages and the necessity to ensure continued access for patients with diabetes.”
The study’s data was sourced from the healthcare software company TriNetX, which may not reflect a national representative sample.
In recent years, GLP-1 drugs have gained popularity due to their weight loss effects, with studies indicating users can shed up to 26% of their body weight.
The skyrocketing sales of these drugs have positioned Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk as two of the most valuable pharmaceutical companies globally. However, the surge in demand has complicated access for some patients requiring prescriptions. Both companies have committed significant investments to enhance production capabilities.
Morgan Stanley analysts project the global market for GLP-1 drugs will reach $105 billion by 2030 and anticipate that approximately 31.5 million people in the U.S., about 9% of the population, will adopt these drugs by 2035.