Widely Popular GLP-1-Based Weight Loss Drugs Reshape US Healthcare Landscape, May Help Control Addiction

Speakers at an event highlighted the impact of a new class of weight loss drugs, including substance abuse, on the U.S. healthcare system. 

Wednesday, the FDA approved Eli Lilly And Co's LLY Zepbound (tirzepatide) injection for obesity treatment.

Novo Nordisk A/S NVO entered the arena with Wegovy, or semaglutide, approved for obesity in 2021 and sold as Ozempic for diabetes. 

Zepbound has a list price of $1,059.87, approximately 20% lower than Novo Nordisk's semaglutide 2.4 mg injection for weight loss. 

The speakers at the Reuters Events Total Health conference in Chicago noted weight loss percentages, with Wegovy showing 15% over 68 weeks and Lilly's drug demonstrating over 22% over 72 weeks. 

Citing Lawrence Tabak, Principal Deputy Director at the U.S. National Institutes of Health, Reuters emphasized the groundbreaking potential of these drugs, not only for obesity but also in controlling addiction-related conditions.

Tabak said NIH-supported studies are still "very much a work in progress," and the drugs can cause side effects, but "it does open up a whole new set of possibilities to control things like obesity, metabolism in general, perhaps other addictive conditions."

Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc WBA is witnessing significant demand for GLP-1s, according to John Driscoll, President of U.S. Healthcare. 

Despite the drugs' high monthly prices exceeding $1,000, Driscoll anticipates they will redefine how people experience healthcare. 

Tabak underscores the evolving nature of drug costs over time and highlights the potential for lower overall healthcare expenses with better obesity control. While the impact on consumer habits remains uncertain, Driscoll suggests that understanding the full scope of these drugs beyond obesity is just beginning.

Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.