Anywhere you look there is someone touting amazing weight loss stories with Wegovy® (semaglutide) and Mounjaro®(tirzepatide). These drugs achieve weight loss by mimicking naturally-occurring hormones called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide). Both help regulate the release of insulin, and in turn seem to influence feelings of satiety.
Unfortunately, many of those touting the drug are not diabetic nor obese with a BMI ≥30. Already there is a shortage of supply with diabetics unable to fill their much needed prescriptions. Also, there is word that people are accessing discounts for which they do not qualify. Social media, fed by Hollywood, is paving this road and it will lead to nowhere good.
These drugs are new to the obesity category and do not have years of real-world evidence that can help guide their usage. In fact, once patients cease treatment the weight tends to creep back thus already leading manufacturers to consider trialing a maintenance option. Also, these drugs are not without side effects and need to managed by doctors who are experienced in managing such.
It’s always tricky when a drug has a specific indication that is also attractive to the mainstream. Will people relinquish their prescription to ensure supply for diabetics?
Enter the clever Amgen with its dubbed AMG-133 which for now will only seek an obesity indication knowing quite well that it cannot compete in the diabetes market against the 2 powerhouses of Eli Lily and Novo Nordisk. By focusing thus far on obesity, Amgen avoids the diabetes vs obesity moral supply issue.
I am curious to see what happens here. Does this category succeed or implode on itself as other obesity drugs have? Does the FDA step in and regulate its use both at the patient and treater level? Buckle up everyone, it should be an interesting ride…
