On October 2, 2024, Eli Lilly announced that its weight-loss drug Zepbound and diabetes medication Mounjaro are no longer in shortage, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Mounjaro had been on the FDA's shortage list since late 2022, while Zepbound was added in April 2024.
To increase availability, Eli Lilly began selling vials of the lowest starter dose of Zepbound directly to consumers through its website. The surge in demand for both medications has prompted the company to invest billions in expanding production capabilities. Additionally, Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, which produces competing drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, is also working to enhance supply to meet the unprecedented demand.
This development is significant as it reflects the growing global market for weight-loss and diabetes medications, which are increasingly being recognized as critical components of health management in many countries.