Category: GLP-1s

States ranked by Ozempic demand

Demand for Type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic is high across the U.S., but interest varies by state, according to research conducted by Bison Pharmacy. 

Weight loss drugs helped drive 13.5% increase in pharma costs: Study

Hospital pharmaceutical costs marginally decreased in 2023 because of the lessened need for COVID-19 drugs, but overall healthcare spending on drugs grew 13.5% — largely because of weight loss medications, a new study found. 

Nearly 4 million Medicare patients with heart disease may be eligible for Wegovy coverage

Nearly 4 million Medicare patients could be eligible to have Wegovy covered after the FDA approved it to reduce risk of heart attack and strokes, KFF reported April 24.

4 Ozempic updates

Debates are swirling about surgery disruptions, a baby boom phenomenon and additional uses for Ozempic and other glucagon-like peptide-1 medicines. 

Skipping Ozempic before surgery may not be needed

Since summer 2023, physicians have recommended patients taking GLP-1s, such as Ozempic or Mounjaro, to skip a dose before an elective surgery. Researchers from Stanford Medicine say this might be unnecessary and create adverse effects. 

Zepbound, Mounjaro shortages drag on

Four more solutions of Zepbound and Mounjaro are in limited supply, and the shortages have prolonged, the FDA said April 17. 

Weight loss drugs will widen health disparities, experts say

While weight loss drugs have been touted as a game-changer for the nation’s obesity epidemic, many Americans who would benefit most from the medications often lack access, experts told the Los Angeles Times in an April 15 report.

Researchers explore 9 more diseases GLP-1s could treat

Researchers are expanding horizons for the diseases and disorders that GLP-1s such as Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy could treat.

Experts call for more data on weight loss meds as fertility drugs

Physicians and researchers say more data is needed on pregnancy outcomes in patients taking GLP-1s as a growing number of women turn to the class of weight loss medications in hopes of reducing their risk of pregnancy complications or increasing their …

Eli Lilly to seek label expansion for Mounjaro, Zepbound

After achieving promising outcomes for patients with sleep apnea, Eli Lilly said April 17 it plans to seek a wider FDA approval for Mounjaro and Zepbound.