A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals a shift in the prescription patterns of GLP-1 medications, with an increasing share of non-diabetic patients receiving these prescriptions, while new prescriptions for diabetic patients are declining.
Researchers caution that this shift may lead to potential shortages of these essential treatments. GLP-1 drugs, which mimic a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels and suppress appetite, were originally approved for treating type 2 diabetes. However, since the FDA’s approval of Wegovy for weight loss in 2021, demand for GLP-1 treatments has surged.
Companies like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are facing challenges in meeting the rising 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, examined the medical records of 45 million Americans who visited a doctor between 2011 and 2023. The findings indicate 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 that this trend suggests healthcare providers are recognizing the efficacy of these medications for obesity treatment, indicating a major public health shift. However, it also raises concerns regarding medication access for diabetes patients.
This analysis utilized data from healthcare software company TriNetX, which may not fully represent national trends. GLP-1 medications have gained popularity due to their ability to suppress appetite and facilitate significant weight loss, with some users losing up to 26% of their body weight.
The spike in sales has elevated Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to the ranks of the world’s most valuable pharmaceutical firms. Nevertheless, heightened demand has led to difficulties for some patients in obtaining their prescriptions. Both companies are investing heavily to increase their production capabilities.
Morgan Stanley analysts project that the global market for GLP-1 drugs could reach $105 billion by 2030, with an estimated 31.5 million people in the U.S. using these medications by 2035, representing roughly 9% of the population.