For the past few years, it has felt like everyone is talking about the new wave of GLP-1 receptor agonists. But until recently, we didn’t actually have a clear picture of how many Australians were using them.
Because of the way our healthcare system tracks prescriptions, it’s always been pretty tough for researchers to count people who pay for their medication privately, rather than through a government subsidy (the PBS).
But thanks to new data published by the Australian Financial Review, we finally have some hard numbers. And it shows we’re witnessing a rapid rise in prescribing and distribution.
How many Australians are actually taking weight loss prescriptions?
According to market distribution and wholesale data, approximately 500,000 Australians are now using these newer blood-sugar and weight-management medications every single month.
To put that into perspective, that is roughly two per cent of the entire adult population of Australia.
The growth has been staggering. Back in mid-2020, pharmaceutical wholesalers were moving fewer than 60,000 units of these medications a month. Fast-forward to now, and that number has risen to half a million units monthly.
Why the rules keep changing
With so many people seeking access to these medicines, Australian regulators have had to move quickly to keep up. If you feel like the rules around these medications are constantly changing, it’s because they are.
Over the last couple of years, we’ve seen:
- A ban on pharmacy replicas: The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) stepped in to ban compounded, custom-made replicas of these drugs to ensure patient safety.
- Phasing out old versions: Older, daily-injection styles of these medications have mostly been phased out globally in favour of the more commonly prescribed options.
- New subsidy debates: While these medications are covered by the government for people managing Type 2 Diabetes, there is an ongoing push to expand subsidies (like the PBS) to include patients with a high BMI who also have cardiovascular risks. It’s important to note, however, that subsidy arrangements differ depending on the medicine, indication and patient eligibility criteria.
What this means
Right now, the demand isn’t slowing down. The rapid rise of these medications has shown that our health system needs better, real-time tracking to see exactly how private prescriptions are moving.
As global drug companies work to keep up with Australia’s massive demand, the focus for health authorities remains on making sure the people who need these treatments most can actually access them safely.
Sallie Pearson, who heads the Medicines Intelligence Research Program at the University of NSW, told the AFR that the gaps in knowledge about GLP-1 receptor agonists in Australia are widening.
“There is no single source of truth when it comes to understanding what medicines are prescribed or dispensed,” she said.
“If you really, really want to understand what’s going on for patients, you need to be as greedy as possible with data so you get a full picture of what’s going on.”
Looking ahead
The future of GLP-1 receptor agonists in Australia looks promising, but it also presents challenges. As more people seek these medications, the need for transparency and accurate data becomes even more critical.
Healthcare providers, policymakers, and researchers must work together to ensure that the use of these drugs is both safe and effective. This includes improving data collection methods and expanding access to those who could benefit the most.
Additionally, ongoing research and education will be essential in helping patients make informed decisions about their health. With the right support and resources, the potential benefits of GLP-1 receptor agonists can be maximized while minimizing any associated risks.
