Limited Supply Alert: FDA Reports Shortages in Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro and Zepbound Doses
According to recent updates from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Eli Lilly’s diabetes drug Mounjaro and weight-loss drug Zepbound are facing limited availability for most doses through the second quarter of this year. The increased demand for these medications has led to supply constraints, affecting doses ranging from 5 mg to 15 mg. However, the 2.5 mg doses are still listed as available.
Previously, limited quantities of both drugs were expected to be available through April, with Mounjaro experiencing limited availability since February. Additionally, the 1.5 mg and 4.5 mg doses of Trulicity, another diabetes drug by Lilly, are also affected by limited availability through April due to heightened demand.
The surge in demand for GLP-1 agonists, a highly effective treatment for diabetes and weight loss, has put pressure on drug manufacturers like Lilly and Novo Nordisk. Lilly acknowledges the current supply constraints but assures that investments in manufacturing and supply capacity will gradually increase production throughout 2024 and beyond.
In response to the limited availability, Lilly advises patients to plan ahead for medication refills by contacting their pharmacy at least one week in advance. Mounjaro, initially approved in 2022 for patients with type-2 diabetes to manage blood sugar levels, was later approved for weight loss in the U.S. under the brand name Zepbound.
In related news, Lilly announced positive results on Wednesday regarding tirzepatide, the active ingredient in both Mounjaro and Zepbound. Tirzepatide demonstrated efficacy in alleviating symptoms of a common sleep-related breathing disorder in two late-stage studies.