Experts warn weight‑loss drug rush could jeopardise insulin supply

The Guardian reported that a surge in GLP‑1 weight‑loss drugs may threaten the availability of insulin, a core treatment for diabetes. GLP‑1 products such as Ozempic and Mounjaro are spreading worldwide, yet many people in poorer countries still struggle to obtain basic diabetes medication.

The head of the Access to Medicine Foundation warned that the "gold rush" into GLP‑1 weight‑loss drugs risks diverting pharmaceutical firms’ attention away from diabetes treatments such as insulin. According to a report from the Netherlands‑based non‑profit group, blockbuster GLP‑1 medicines like Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic and Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro have revolutionised obesity and diabetes care, but companies are increasingly focusing on weight‑loss indications.

The concern is that this shift in priority could reduce investment and production capacity for insulin, potentially widening the gap in treatment access for vulnerable populations.

Why it matters

A reduced focus on insulin could limit access to essential diabetes care for people in low‑income regions.

Key details

Location

Netherlands · Europe

Reported by

The Guardian

First reported

10 Nov 2026, 18:30 IST

Key names

Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic, Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro, GLP-, Access

Section

Health

Sources

This is an independent summary. Read the full, original reporting from the publisher:

• The GuardianPharma firms’ focus on weight-loss drugs could put insulin supply at risk, experts warn 10 Nov, 18:30

Read the full story at The Guardian ↗

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