🔮 Are GPL-1 antagonist Today's most important technology? : Our summary

URL
https://www.exponentialview.co/p/todays-most-important-technology?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

Key Takeaway

GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are poised to be the most impactful technology in the US over the next two years, with far-reaching effects on health, economics, and society that could surpass the impact of AI or renewable technologies.

Author and Publication

Authors: Azeem Azhar and Nathan Warren
Publication date: August 21, 2024

Summary

GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), including brands like Ozempic and Mounjaro, have seen a surge in demand, with prescriptions quadrupling in the US over the last three years.
Nearly 5% of patients receiving any prescription are now prescribed a GLP-1 RA, with an estimated 9 million prescriptions at the end of 2023.
The potential market for GLP-1s is vast, with over 100 million adults in the US suffering from obesity.
Pharmaceutical companies Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have seen significant market cap increases due to GLP-1 drug sales.
GLP-1s were initially focused on type 2 diabetes treatment but have expanded to weight management, with 41.7% of patients using them for weight control by mid-2023.
Manufacturers are investing heavily in expanding production capacity to meet demand.
GLP-1s have shown impressive results in weight loss, with the latest generation leading to up to 22.5% body weight loss sustained for at least three years.
These drugs have demonstrated benefits beyond weight loss, including reducing the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular events, sleep apnea, and kidney disease.
Preliminary studies suggest potential effects on neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
GLP-1s may also reduce desire for alcohol, nicotine, and cocaine, based on animal studies and some human observational data.
Side effects include gastrointestinal issues and, in rare cases, more serious complications like pancreatitis.
The economic impact of GLP-1s could be substantial, potentially reducing the $2 trillion global cost associated with obesity and related health issues.
The author predicts that GLP-1s will have a more meaningful and measurable impact than artificial intelligence or renewable technologies in the US over the next two years.