Anti-Obesity Demand Surges Amid Shortages: Pharma's Opportunity

The surging global demand for anti-obesity drugs, attributed to their efficacy, faces a consequential hurdle—reported shortages acknowledged by pivotal agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA). This scarcity constitutes a substantial opportunity for pharmaceutical manufacturing.

According to a 360 Research report, the anti-obesity market is projected to reach US$ 87,320 million by 2032, driven by a steady Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.8%. This growth coincides with the increasing global prevalence of obesity and rising public awareness of the health risks linked to obesity. It also aligns with an increase in pharmaceutical research and development spending, contributing to the market's expansion. 

Anti-obesity drugs are recognized for their capacity to modulate weight regulation by affecting appetite or calorie absorption. With the growing recognition of their effectiveness, there has been a noticeable shortage of Ozempic, the medication manufactured by Novo Nordisk, which is expected to persist into early 2024. This presents a significant opportunity for pharmaceutical manufacturers, states  Pharmaceutical Technology .

The research reveals that North America, encompassing the United States, Canada, and Mexico, boasts the largest market share for the consumption of anti-obesity drugs. This dominance can be attributed to region’s high prevalence of obesity. In Mexico, nearly one in three adults are obese, contributing to an average reduction in life expectancy of 4.2 years due to overweight related health issues. After North America, Europe emerges as the second-largest consumer base, with the Rest of the World making up the remaining share.

Reuters reports that Indian drugmakers are keen on entering the growing market for weight-loss treatments. They aim to develop their proprietary versions of Novo Nordisk's weight loss drug, seizing the opportunity in this expanding sector. Companies with a robust presence in Mexico, such as Sun Pharma, have initiated drug development efforts in this lucrative market.