Pharma firms’ focus on weight-loss drugs could put insulin supply at risk, experts warn

The rapid growth of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro may divert pharmaceutical companies' attention away from essential diabetes treatments such as insulin, according to the head of the Access to Medicine Foundation. These medications, developed by companies like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, have transformed obesity and diabetes treatment.

However, a growing focus on weight loss has led to many people unable to access basic insulin, crucial for managing type 1 diabetes, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In many LMICs, GLP-1 drugs are not yet accessible, and their high prices make them unaffordable for most individuals. Companies can charge higher prices and earn greater profit margins on weight loss injections and pills compared to insulin.

Novo Nordisk has announced plans to phase out some of its older diabetes products, including insulin pens, further exacerbating the potential supply risks. The Access to Medicine Foundation's biennial report found that most medications under development aim to manage type 2 diabetes, with just 10 out of 25 targeting type 1 diabetes.

Switzerland's Novartis and British drugmaker AstraZeneca ranked highest in global health equity, while British firm GSK dropped to the second position. Despite progress in recent years, access to medicines remains a challenge, with some companies integrating access considerations into their corporate strategies and executive bonus targets.