Diabetic patients encounter life-threatening drug shortages due to their medications being diverted for use in weight loss therapies.
In a significant development for diabetes management, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has approved the use of "tirzepatide" (brand name Mounjaro) for treating type 2 diabetes in England and Wales. This approval comes as a relief for many, following the global shortage of semaglutide-based diabetes medications, notably Ozempic and Wegovy, that occurred between 2022 and early 2025.
The sudden surge in demand for these medications, driven by their effectiveness not only for type 2 diabetes but also for weight loss and cardiovascular risk reduction, overwhelmed manufacturing capacities. This resulted in significant supply constraints, pharmacy shortages, and an influx of counterfeit products. The shortage officially ended in February 2025, after the FDA declared the semaglutide shortage resolved and manufacturers, led by Novo Nordisk, invested heavily in expanding production capabilities.
However, the resolution of the global shortage does not mean the end of all challenges. Patients faced difficulties accessing Ozempic and Wegovy due to stockouts, back orders, and government rationing measures like quantity caps. Compounded semaglutide formulations from pharmacies became a temporary alternative but were unapproved by the FDA and lacked insurance coverage, raising safety and cost concerns for users.
The drug’s removal from the FDA shortage list has triggered new legal challenges from Novo Nordisk against compounding pharmacies for trademark infringement, reflecting tensions in managing demand and intellectual property.
To address these issues, Novo Nordisk has invested $6 billion to expand manufacturing and acquire new sites with full capacity expected by the end of 2025. The FDA continues to monitor the supply situation, and while the shortage has been declared resolved, localized shortages and legal challenges related to compounding persist.
As a result, it is crucial for ongoing supply management and patient care coordination. Diabetes UK is urging clinicians to follow Department for Health and Social Care guidance and not prescribe these drugs outside of their licensed use until the supply issues are rectified.
By 2030, diabetes cases in the UK are expected to rise by 50% compared to 2007 levels. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia has limited Ozempic supplies to diabetes treatments only until at least the end of December 2023.
A simple blood test can confirm whether or not you have type 2 diabetes, even in the earliest stages. Unmanaged or undiagnosed diabetes is one of the leading causes of mortality.
As the demand for semaglutide-based treatments continues to grow, it is essential to prioritise patient care and ensure access to these life-changing medications.
References:
- Semaglutide shortage: FDA updates list of drug shortages
- Semaglutide shortage: what you need to know
- Novo Nordisk sues compounding pharmacies for trademark infringement
- Compounded semaglutide: what you need to know
- Novo Nordisk invests $6 billion to expand manufacturing capacity
- The global health and wellness community is closely monitoring the development of tirzepatide (Mounjaro) for treating type 2 diabetes, given its potential impact on managing chronic diseases like diabetes.
- The resolution of the global semaglutide shortage, which affected popular medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, has led to discussions about mental health and stress management related to accessing essential medical-condition treatments.
- As the demand for semaglutide-based treatments grows, nutrition and weight-management plans are being re-evaluated to ensure patients can effectively manage their conditions while awaiting these life-changing medications.
- In light of the ongoing challenges in diabetes management, fitness and exercise play a vital role in supporting mental health and overall well-being for those living with chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes.
