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Can New Generation GLP-1s Overcome The Adherence Hurdle?

Historically, Patients Have Not Tended To Stay On These Drugs Long-Term

 
• By Chloe Kent

Novo Nordisk’s new generation of GLP-1 products have led to never-before-seen rates of medication-induced weight loss but require a lifelong commitment from patients to maintain these results – a commitment the market may not be able to rely on, since patients have not generally tended to stay on GLP-1 medications long-term. 

Pair of hands holding semaglutide injection pen
Patients taking Wegovy lost an average of 15.2% of their body weight in clinical trials • Source: Shutterstock

Stocks at Novo Nordisk A/S and Eli Lilly and Company took a tumble in July after an analysis by pharmacy benefit manager Prime Therapeutics revealed that most patients taking GLP-1 receptor agonists, like semaglutide, discontinue treatment after a year. The report is the latest in a growing body of evidence which indicates that, despite the never-before-seen weight loss efficacy of these medicines, patient adherence could be a significant hurdle when it comes to long term market success for the new generation of weight loss drugs.

Novo And Lilly Are At The Forefront Of The Weight Loss Drug Revolution

Novo Nordisk manufactures the two most prolific GLP-1 products available, both of which are injectable semaglutide products. The first, Ozempic, is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to help improve glycemic control in adult patients with type 2 diabetes. It is also indicated to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in type 2 diabetics with an established cardiovascular disease. Meanwhile, Wegovy is indicated for weight management of obese or overweight adult patients with at least one weight-related condition, alongside a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity. Patients taking Wegovy lost an average of 15.2% of their body weight in clinical trials.

A challenger has recently arrived to Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide supremacy in the form of Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro, which was approved by the US FDA with a diabetes indication last year. Mounjaro, likewise a weekly injection, induced weight loss of up to 15.7% in a recent clinical trial. (Also see "Lilly’s Mounjaro Shows Strong Sales And Data As Firm Eyes Obesity Market" - Scrip, 27 April, 2023.)

Prime Therapeutics reviewed pharmacy and medical claims data for 4,255 people with commercial health plans who received new prescriptions of...

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