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Eli Lilly's Zepbound and Mounjaro Shortage Expected to Continue Through Q2
1 year ago•Source: NBC News
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2.72 min•1 year ago
"Diabetes and Weight-Loss Drug Shortages: Limited Supply Challenges Pharmacies"
Most doses of Eli Lilly's weight loss drug Zepbound and diabetes drug Mounjaro will be in short supply through the second quarter of 2024 due to surging demand, according to the FDA. The shortage affects all doses except the 2.5-milligram versions. The company is working to increase production capacity and expects significant increases in the second half of the year, with new facilities planned for the future. The shortage reflects the high demand for these drugs, which are known as incretin drugs and are used for weight loss and diabetes management.
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"Over $1 Billion Spent on Weight Loss and Diabetes Drug Ads"
Drugmakers spent over $1 billion on advertisements for weight loss and diabetes drugs in 2023, reflecting the competitive market for these treatments. Novo Nordisk's drugs, Ozempic and Wegovy, have been heavily promoted, contributing to the surge in ad spending. Initial data for 2024 suggests that ad spending for these drugs remains strong. Additionally, the FDA has approved an AI-powered diagnostic tool for sepsis, developed by health tech startup Prenosis, which aims to help clinicians assess a patient's risk of sepsis more effectively.
"Unveiling the Realities of GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs for Obesity"
Novo Nordisk's GLP-1 weight loss drug Wegovy, marketed as a treatment for obesity, is facing scrutiny due to concerns around efficacy, pricing, and side effects. Despite its potential, a study revealed that the monthly production cost of the drug is around $5, yet it retails for $1,300 in the US without insurance coverage. Additionally, the drug has been linked to serious side effects, leading to over five dozen lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies, with Novo Nordisk facing the largest number of lawsuits. Furthermore, it has been reported that up to 15% of Wegovy users do not experience significant weight loss, raising questions about its effectiveness as an anti-obesity solution.
FDA Approves Akebia's Vafseo for Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease
The FDA has approved Akebia Therapeutics' Vafseo (vadadustat) tablets for anemia due to chronic kidney disease in adults on dialysis for at least three months. Vafseo, a once-daily oral medication, activates the body's response to low oxygen levels to stimulate the production of erythropoietin, managing anemia. With approval in 37 countries and an estimated peak sales of $954 million in 2031, Akebia plans to launch Vafseo in the U.S. later this year, aiming to establish it as a new standard of care for adult dialysis patients.
"Surge in UK Deaths Linked to Common Anxiety Drug"
The UK has seen a surge in deaths linked to the anxiety drug pregabalin, with 441 deaths in 2022 compared to 187 in 2018. Reports comparing this to the US opioid epidemic may cause undue panic, as most fatalities are due to interactions with other drugs, particularly opioids. The rise in deaths coincides with an increase in pregabalin prescriptions, suggesting a need for better education on risks and drug interactions. Certain groups, such as those with substance use disorder, are at higher risk, and there's evidence of growing illicit use. Understanding why people combine pregabalin with other drugs is crucial for developing strategies to reduce harm.
"Zepbound Surpasses Wegovy in Prescriptions as New Weight-Loss Drug"
Prescriptions for Eli Lilly's newly-approved weight-loss drug Zepbound have surpassed those for Wegovy for the first time, with nearly 150,000 new patients filling prescriptions for the shots each week. Zepbound, containing the active ingredient tirzepatide, works by suppressing two appetite-regulating hormones, while Wegovy only acts on one hormone. Market analysts predict the weight loss drug industry to grow to at least $100 billion by the end of the decade, with GLP-1 drugs on pace to surpass cancer immunotherapies as the best-selling medicines.
"Zepbound Surpasses Wegovy in US Prescriptions for Weight-Loss"
Eli Lilly's weight-loss drug Zepbound surpassed Novo Nordisk's rival obesity medicine Wegovy in new U.S. prescriptions for the first time, with 77,590 new prescriptions compared to Wegovy's 6,000 fewer. The competition reflects the growing market for weight-loss drugs, with demand outpacing supplies and analysts predicting a market worth at least $100 billion by the end of the decade. Both Zepbound and Wegovy belong to a class of drugs called GLP-1 agonists, originally developed for type 2 diabetes, and are expected to surpass cancer immunotherapies as the best-selling medicines. GlobalData forecasts the market for these medicines to reach $105 billion by 2029, with Novo Nordisk capturing more than half of that.
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"Novo Nordisk's Breakthrough Weight-Loss Pill Outperforms Ozempic in Clinical Trial"
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The FDA has approved Novo Nordisk's weight loss drug Wegovy for reducing the risk of serious cardiovascular complications in adults with obesity and heart disease, marking the first time a weight loss medication has gained expanded use for preventing life-threatening cardiovascular events. The approval could expand insurance coverage for the costly drug and similar treatments for obesity. Wegovy, which mimics a gut hormone to suppress appetite, showed a 20% reduction in the overall risk of heart attack, stroke, and death from cardiovascular causes in a landmark phase three trial. This move could also help Novo Nordisk maintain its lead over competitors in the weight-loss drug market.
Amylyx's ALS Drug Relyvrio Fails Phase 3 Trial, Potential Market Withdrawal
Amylyx's FDA-approved ALS drug, Relyvrio, has failed a crucial Phase III trial, prompting the company to consider withdrawing the drug. In a study of 664 ALS patients, the drug did not outperform a placebo and missed all secondary outcomes, including quality-of-life assessments and muscle function. The failure puts access to the drug in jeopardy and is a significant setback for the treatment of the neurodegenerative disease.