Americans Seeking Weight-Loss Medications Face Supply Shortages and Insurance Challenges
“Rising Costs Drive Patients to Affordable Compounded Versions Sold Online
Doctors Report Surging Demand Amid Ongoing Insurance and Supply Challenges
FDA Permits Ongoing Drug Compounding Despite Removal from Shortage List”
“Nov 4 (Reuters) – Americans continue to seek prescriptions for weight-loss and diabetes medications from Eli Lilly (LLY.N) and Novo Nordisk (NOVOb.CO), yet supply shortages and insurance barriers often prevent them from accessing these treatments, doctors report.”
“These frustrations, combined with the high cost of the medications, are driving patients to opt for more affordable compounded versions available online, according to doctors, pharmacy officials, and Wall Street analysts.”
“Last week, Eli Lilly reported an unexpected $1.5 billion shortfall in combined sales for its injectable obesity drug Zepbound and diabetes medication Mounjaro, sparking investor concerns about potential cooling demand. These market trends will come under scrutiny again on Wednesday when Novo Nordisk releases results for its diabetes drug Ozempic and weight-loss treatment Wegovy.”
“Lilly attributed the sales shortfall to logistical challenges as it worked to resolve a shortage of its two drugs, both containing the same active ingredient. Distributors were still processing stock acquired in the previous quarter instead of placing new orders, according to Lilly. Meanwhile, the company limited Zepbound advertising, which may have temporarily softened demand.”
“In interviews with Reuters, eight U.S. obesity specialists from universities and major health systems shared a contrasting view. They reported continued strong demand for weight-loss medications. However, many of their patients are unable to secure health insurance coverage for the Lilly and Novo drugs, which are priced at over $1,000 per month.”
“Four doctors told Reuters that patients are still struggling to find certain dosages and often have to visit multiple pharmacies to locate available supplies.”
“In early October, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration removed Zepbound from its shortage list. Last week, the agency also marked all doses of Wegovy as available, although it remains listed as being in shortage.”
“This has sparked renewed interest among patients who were deterred by shortages earlier in the year, according to two of the doctors.”
“We’re seeing more patients returning who were frustrated by their inability to access medications in the spring and had stopped due to the shortages,” said Dr. Holly Lofton, a general practitioner specializing in obesity at New York University Langone.
