GLP-1s

GLP-1s, the new blockbuster drug class, has taken off in popularity as a powerful treatment for patients with obesity and Type 2 diabetes, but they've driven a drastic increase in plastic surgery procedures, too, Bloomberg reported June 25.

Healthcare is in its GLP-1 era. Following Novo Nordisk's blockbuster success with Ozempic and Wegovy, many drugmakers are focused on developing new iterations of weight loss drugs that could come with fewer side effects and drive down costs. 

The prevalence of face-lifts increased 8% between 2022 and 2023, a growth that the American Society of Plastic Surgeons links to Ozempic and Wegovy, according to a June 25 report from the organization. 

By January 2025, Type 2 diabetes therapy Ozempic might be FDA approved for kidney disease-related events. 

Teva Pharmaceuticals is launching the first authorized generic of Victoza, the first generic GLP-1 product available in the United States.

GLP-1s, specifically semaglutide, had the largest effect on decreasing body mass index and maintaining weight management in children, according to a study published June 18 in JAMA Network.

Many physicians in obesity medicine have observed a trend among their patients: Those with obesity begin taking a weight loss drug like Wegovy, and their other chronic conditions improve or clear up entirely. 

Weight loss drugs were one of the most talked about topics at AHIP's June 2024 conference in Las Vegas, especially with the Amazon Pharmacy team.

Anecdotally, some people taking GLP-1s report having less cravings for more than just food.

Following jousts between Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and Novo Nordisk, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions will vote June 18 on whether to subpoena the drugmaker's president about the cost of Ozempic and Wegovy.