Top Line
Use of GLP-1 drugs such as semaglutide for weight loss has doubled in the past decade, but uptake among people with type 2 diabetes has declined, according to a new study, and ongoing shortages as a result could limit diabetes patients' access to their medication, researchers warn.
Photo of Wegovy injection prescription pen.
UCG/Universal Image Group via Getty Images
Key Facts
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center looked at 1 million first-time prescriptions for GLP-1 drugs in the United States between 2011 and 2023, categorizing patients into those who took GLP-1 drugs for type 2 diabetes and those who did not have diabetes but took GLP-1 drugs for obesity or obesity-related health conditions, such as high blood pressure or heart disease.
The number of new patients prescribed GLP-1 to treat diabetes fell by nearly 10% between 2011 and 2023, but the number of patients prescribed the drug to treat obesity and other obesity-related diseases has more than doubled over the same period, especially since 2020, according to a study published Monday in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Novo Nordisk's semaglutide (generic names for Ozempic, Wegovi and Rybelsus) was the most prescribed GLP-1 in 2023, accounting for more than 88% of all new prescriptions.
GLP-1s It is a drug designed to manage type 2 diabetes, heart disease and obesity by lowering blood sugar and HbA1c, suppressing appetite by acting on the hunger part of the brain and slowing the process of food being emptying from the stomach, helping patients feel fuller for longer.
The researchers warned that the drug's growing popularity among obese patients could worsen a national drug shortage and raise concerns “about the need to ensure that people with diabetes continue to have access to these treatments,” Dr. Yi-Hui You, a clinical research fellow in the Kirsch Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Cedars-Sinai Hospital and co-first author of the study, said in a statement.
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What GLP-1 is approved for weight loss?
There is 7 Approved GLP-1 drugs in the United States There is a similar class of drugs called dual agonists of the GLP-1 and GIP receptors, and only one drug from this group is available in the United States: tirzepatide (generic names for Mounjaro and Zepbound). Semaglutide, Liraglutide— the generic names for Saxenda and Victoza — and Tirzepatide Several medications have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for weight management. Saxenda was the first to be approved in 2014, followed by Wegovi in 2020 and Zepbound in 2023.
Are there still shortages of GLP-1 drugs?
Yes, some of the GLP-1s have been in short supply for months, but some appear to have been restored in stock. The three smallest doses of Wegovy are still in short supply and are not expected to be restored, according to the FDA. All doses of Ozempic, on the other hand, are available. DatabaseThere is a shortage of two doses of Munjaro and Xepbound, but the FDA reports availability will improve after July. Doses of Saxenda and Victoza are also in short supply. The FDA blames the shortages on increased demand. Shortages aren't just affecting the US: European Medicines Agency Warned The shortage of GLP-1 drugs is a “major public health concern” that probably won't be resolved until 2024. Diabetics patients are struggling to get access to their medications because of the shortage, and some are thrifting to deal with the short supply, NPR reports. Reported.
Main Background
Adverse side effects may also be contributing to the decline in use of GLP-1 in patients with type 2 diabetes. Metformin Although insulin is considered the mainstay of glycemic control for people with type 2 diabetes, many patients take second-line non-insulin type 2 diabetes medications such as GLP-1 to supplement their treatment. study The study was published in the journal Northwestern Medicine. Approximately 40% of patients taking diabetes medications discontinue treatment, but the figure is even higher (50%) for those taking GLP-1. Researchers believe this may be due to the gastrointestinal side effects associated with GLP-1 (vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, etc.). In addition to side effects, the high cost of the medication is also a major reason for discontinuation, according to another study. study According to the American Diabetes Association.
Big numbers
$100 billion. By 2030, the weight loss drug industry could be worth $100 billion. Analyst EstimatesBut this Lowball estimate.
Amazing facts
The Cedars-Sinai researchers also found that the percentage of people prescribed GLP-1s that don't meet FDA drug requirements increased from 0.21% in 2019 to 0.37% in 2023. These people were prescribed off-label despite not having diabetes, obesity, heart disease, or other relevant health conditions. Although the increase is small, it could be linked to the drug's growing popularity among people who aren't obese. Using Wegovy and Other GLP-1 for Weight Loss: Using GLP-1 for weight loss without FDA requirements is “abuse,” and these people are “much more likely to develop serious side effects,” says Nancy Ranama, M.D., a Beverly Hills-based internal medicine and bariatric specialist with her own private practice. said The local newspaper, the Beverly Hills Courier.
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