Researchers in Germany on Friday said the growing use of diabetic drug `semaglutiden’ is leading to shortages of supply as many people now use it to aid weight loss.
David Francas, professor of data and supply chain analysis at Worms University of Applied Sciences made the observation saying: “that gets hyped and suddenly you have an off-label use for the drug, which can also drive demand.”
Using a drug off-label meant when people took it for a problem for which it does not have approval from the regulatory authorities.
Semaglutide had been approved as a diabetes drug in Europe since 2018 under the name “Ozempic” to lower blood sugar levels.
In early 2022, the European Union approved the drug “Wegovy” specifically for weight loss, intended for people who are obese, meaning those with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more and those who were overweight, with a BMI of 27 or more, with at least one weight-related illness.
“Wegovy” is not yet available in Germany, as the manufacturer Novo Nordisk Pharma confirmed upon request, saying medics are opting to prescribe the diabetes drug “Ozempic” instead.
Semaglutide had also been hyped in social media in recent months partly as some celebrities had said it had helped them lose weight, including tech billionaire Elon Musk, who mentioned the drug alongside fasting.
Though studies had shown the drug to be effective for weight loss, many also warn of the risks and side effects of the drug’s unregulated use.
