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Obesity Medications

All articles tagged with #obesity medications

health1 year ago

"Real-world Study Shows Obesity Medications Lower Multiple Sclerosis Risk"

Real-world data from the FDA suggests that obesity medications, particularly those that activate the GLP-1 receptor and lower blood glucose levels, are associated with a reduced risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). The study explored the potential of repurposing these medications for MS treatment, as both conditions share inflammatory components. Medications such as semaglutide, dulaglutide, liraglutide, empagliflozin, and metformin were found to significantly lower the likelihood of developing MS, hinting at the possibility of repurposing anti-diabetic drugs with weight loss-inducing effects for potential MS treatment opportunities.

health1 year ago

"Challenges and Competition in the Weight Loss Drug Market"

Demand for weight loss drugs like Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and Eli Lilly's Zepbound is outstripping supply, leading to intermittent shortages and limited availability. Both companies are making efforts to increase production capacity, with Novo Nordisk doubling its supply of lower-dose Wegovy and Eli Lilly doubling production capacity for its incretin drugs. Novo Nordisk's parent company's acquisition of Catalent and investments in new production facilities, along with Eli Lilly's plans to launch drugs in alternative delivery devices and develop oral weight loss drugs, aim to address supply constraints in the future.

health-business1 year ago

"Ethical Concerns Surrounding Ozempic and Other Injectable Weight Loss Drugs"

In the podcast "Chasing Life," CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta discusses the booming business of weight loss drugs, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound, with colleague Meg Tirrell. The demand for these medications has surged, with U.S. healthcare providers writing over 9 million prescriptions in the last three months of 2022 alone, despite their high cost of about $1,000 a month. The rise of these drugs, particularly GLP-1 drugs, has surprised many due to previous failures in the weight loss medication space. The industry is projected to reach $100 billion in annual revenue by 2030, with companies like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly dominating the market and struggling to keep up with demand.

health-and-pharmaceuticals2 years ago

"Rising Competition in the Booming Weight Loss Drug Market"

Drugmakers are racing to enter the weight loss drug market, which is expected to be worth tens of billions in the next decade. Companies like Boehringer Ingelheim, Terns Pharmaceuticals, Viking Therapeutics, and Structure Therapeutics are developing weight loss drugs targeting gut hormones like GLP-1 and glucagon. With demand for obesity medications projected to grow, smaller players are aiming to compete with dominant companies like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly. Large pharmaceutical companies like Sanofi and Bayer are also considering entering the market through potential partnerships or next-generation weight loss drugs.

healthcare2 years ago

Insurance Coverage for Obesity Medications: Expert Insights and Requirements

Insurance companies are facing challenges in covering medications for obesity treatment due to the high costs. Drugs originally designed for diabetes management, such as semaglutide, have shown effectiveness in reducing body weight, leading to increased demand and supply shortages. Clinicians and patients report pushback from insurance companies, with some insurers prohibiting the use of weight loss medications altogether. The cost-effectiveness of these medications is a key concern for insurers, who often require prior authorization and may impose restrictions on coverage. Educating patients on insurance plan details and exploring all medication options are recommended strategies. Compounded weight loss drugs are available but lack FDA approval and quality control. Long-term cost-effectiveness data and addressing the stigma associated with obesity are needed to improve insurance coverage for obesity treatment.