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

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

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.

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