A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine indicates that the number of individuals without diabetes being prescribed GLP-1 drugs is increasing, while new prescriptions for those with diabetes are on the decline. The study raises concerns about possible shortages of these medications.
GLP-1 drugs are designed to mimic a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and decrease appetite. Originally approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, the FDA expanded their use in 2021 to include weight loss, particularly for the drug Wegovy.
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.
Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other institutions examined the medical records of 45 million Americans who visited a doctor from 2011 to 2023. They found 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 segment of new users without diabetes rose from 10% to 25%.
Yee Hui Yeo, co-first author of the study, commented, “This data suggests that more healthcare providers are recognizing the benefits of these medications for treating obesity, indicating a significant public health shift. However, it also raises concerns about potential medication shortages and the need to ensure that diabetes patients continue to have access to these treatments.”
The study utilized data from TriNetX, a healthcare software company, which may not represent a national demographic.
In recent years, GLP-1 drugs have gained popularity for their ability to suppress appetite, allowing users to lose up to 26% of their body weight.
The surge in sales has positioned Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk among the most valuable pharmaceutical companies globally, but the high demand has resulted in difficulties for some patients in filling their prescriptions. Both companies have invested billions to increase production capabilities.
Morgan Stanley analysts project that the global market for GLP-1 drugs will reach $105 billion by 2030, with an estimated 31.5 million people in the U.S., or approximately 9% of the population, adopting these medications by 2035.