A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals a notable shift in the prescription patterns of GLP-1 drugs, with an increasing number of individuals without diabetes receiving these medications while new prescriptions for people with diabetes decline. Researchers have expressed concern that this trend could lead to potential shortages of these vital treatments.
GLP-1 medications, which mimic a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels and curbs appetite, were initially approved for treating type 2 diabetes. However, in 2021, the FDA authorized the use of Wegovy, a GLP-1 treatment, for weight loss purposes.
Both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are currently facing challenges in meeting the growing demand for GLP-1 drugs, which include Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic.
The study, conducted by researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other institutions, analyzed the medical records of 45 million Americans who had at least one doctor visit between 2011 and 2023. 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 share of new GLP-1 users without type 2 diabetes increased from 10% to 25%.
Yee Hui Yeo, co-first author of the study, commented that this trend illustrates a shift among healthcare providers recognizing the benefits of these medications for obesity treatment. However, it also raises concerns about ensuring access to these drugs for diabetes patients amid potential shortages.
The data for the study was sourced from TriNetX, a healthcare software company, though it may not fully represent national prescribing patterns.
In recent years, GLP-1 medications have gained popularity due to their appetite-suppressing effects, with users reportedly losing up to 26% of their body weight. The soaring sales of these drugs have significantly increased the market value of Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, making them two of the most valuable pharmaceutical companies globally. However, the heightened demand has resulted in challenges for some patients in obtaining their prescriptions. Both companies have committed billions to boost production of these medications.
Morgan Stanley analysts project that the global market for GLP-1 drugs could reach $105 billion by 2030 and estimate that about 31.5 million people in the U.S. will adopt these treatments by 2035, accounting for approximately 9% of the population.