Weight loss drugs raise supply concerns

Prescriptions for Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic or Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro saw a jump of more than 4.5 million between 2019 and 2022, per Komodo Health, raising concerns about cost and possible supply issues.

TikTok influencers and celebrities, including Elon Musk, have used the controversial jabs touted as weight-loss miracles. Its popularity is growing not just in the US, even UK High Street chemists are set to sell it to customers.

The jabs regulate appetite and blood sugar levels and can help people lose 15% of their body weight on average. However, it can cost $1,400 a month out-of-pocket if insurance doesn’t pay.

But, as demand for these drugs has skyrocketed more than 2,000% in four years, it has prompted supply chain issues and the FDA listed Ozempic on its list of shortages.

The increased consumer demand has also raised equity concerns over whether those with diabetes are getting the drugs.