Eli Lilly & Co. is facing another shortage of its Mounjaro diabetes medication due to patients using it for weight loss purposes. The US Food and Drug Administration has reported that intermittent backorders are expected for three out of six doses through July.
The backorders are due to "continued dynamic patient demand," according to a statement from Lilly spokesperson Jessica Thompson. She also added that the company is expanding its manufacturing capacity to meet this demand. Despite these efforts, the treatment regimen of some patients may experience disruption.
Mounjaro, also known as tirzepatide, was approved in the US last year for patients with type 2 diabetes. Lilly is also seeking FDA approval for Mounjaro as an obesity treatment, as trials have shown that the drug can help patients lose up to 50 pounds. The impressive results of Mounjaro, as well as similar drugs like Novo Nordisk A/S's Ozempic and Wegovy, have created a buzz on social media among individuals trying to lose weight.
Pharmaceutical companies making these drugs have reported high demand that they are unable to meet. Mounjaro was previously in short supply for approximately two months earlier this year. Other drugs, including Novo's Wegovy, have also experienced supply issues. "Right now we have the unique situation of having a product so useful we can't make enough of it," said Lilly CEO David Ricks during a late April call with investors. "I suspect this whole category will have supply pressure for some time."
In conclusion, the recurring supply issues of the Mounjaro diabetes medication from Eli Lilly & Co. is due to patients using it for weight loss purposes. The company is expanding its manufacturing capacity to meet the high demand for the drug. However, the intermittent backorders of some doses may cause a disruption in some patients' treatment regimens.