FDA Extends Forecast for Mounjaro Release
The ongoing shortage of Eli Lilly’s diabetes drug, Mounjaro, seems to have no end in sight. The FDA has once again extended its forecast for the drug’s release. This means that the drug will remain in limited supply until the end of this month, as estimated by the FDA earlier. However, there is bad news for patients as it is expected that almost all dosage strengths of Mounjaro will experience a supply squeeze throughout the second quarter.
Mounjaro’s Obesity Counterpart, Zepbound, Also in Short Supply
Not only is Mounjaro facing a shortage, but its obesity counterpart, Zepbound, is also affected. Most doses of Zepbound have now been added to the list of drugs in short supply by the FDA. The medication is now listed in limited supply for all but one dosage strength, similar to Mounjaro. It seems that the increased demand for these drugs has caused the shortage.
Lilly’s Plans to Meet Demand Surge
To meet the surge in demand for these medications, Eli Lilly has been planning to build a manufacturing plant in North Carolina. However, despite years of work, the plant is not expected to be fully operational until the end of the year. This means that patients will have to wait even longer for products made at the facility to reach pharmacy shelves. According to Edgardo Hernandez, Lilly’s global operations leader, patients can expect to purchase products made at the facility sometime next year.
Compounded and Counterfeit Versions
During these supply shortages, compounded versions of the medications have been appearing around the country, along with counterfeit versions. This poses a safety risk for patients, and earlier this year, Lilly issued a warning about the potential dangers of using knockoff products.
Future Plans for Expansion
In addition to the North Carolina plant, Eli Lilly is also building a large injection plant in Germany, which is expected to be operational by 2027. These expansion plans are aimed at meeting the growing demand for these drugs and alleviating the ongoing shortage issue.
Conclusion
The shortage of Eli Lilly’s popular diabetes drug, Mounjaro, and its obesity counterpart, Zepbound, continues to cause frustration for patients. The FDA has extended its forecast for the release of Mounjaro, and most doses of Zepbound are now in short supply as well. The increased demand for these medications has led to the shortage, and Eli Lilly’s efforts to meet the demand surge through manufacturing plants in North Carolina and Germany are still underway. In the meantime, patients may encounter compounded or counterfeit versions of the drugs, posing safety risks. Unfortunately, relief for patients is not expected until sometime next year when products from the North Carolina facility become available.