Special Report: Potential Strategies for Addressing GLP-1 and Dual GLP-1/GIP Receptor Agonist Shortages.

Abstract

Unexpected drug shortages of the long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists dulaglutide and semaglutide and the dual GLP-1/glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist tirzepatide emerged in late 2022 and have persisted through the first quarter of 2023 (1). The drug shortage has not affected product doses equally; some doses are more widely available than others (2). For the purposes of this article, we will consider the dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist tirzepatide to be included when referring to GLP-1 receptor agonist product shortages. These shortages predominately occurred because of an unexpected increase in demand for GLP-1 receptor agonists without adequate adjustment in production (3). The inadequate supply has created new access barriers for patients previously using or wishing to initiate these products for glycemic management, weight loss, and/or cardiovascular risk reduction. Thus, strategies to mitigate this disruption to patient care are needed.