The FDA has declared that the shortage of semaglutide injection products has been resolved, having confirmed with manufacturers that their stated product availability and manufacturing capacity can meet the present and projected national demand.
Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists (RAs), used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Semaglutide, like other GLP-1 Ras, is used for the treatment of obesity and has seen tremendous increase in utilization over the last few years, even making its way into workers’ comp.
The sheer popularity of these drugs led to shortages, and as these products become more available, it is possible there may be an increase in GLP-1 RAs in workers’ comp in the near future. Patients and prescribers may still see intermittent and limited localized supply disruptions as the products move through the supply chain from the manufacturer and distributors to local pharmacies.
Previously in October, the FDA determined that tirzepatide injections – another GLP-1 RA – had been resolved as well. However, other GLP-1 RAs like dulaglutide injection products and liraglutide injection products are still considered in shortage.
Additionally, to avoid unnecessary disruption to patient treatment, the FDA does not intend to take action against compounders for violations of the FD&C Act arising from conditions that depend on semaglutide injection products’ inclusion on FDA’s drug shortage list.
