If you haven’t heard of GLP-1s, you’ve almost certainly come across the brand names: Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. These drugs were originally developed to treat diabetes, but they’ve recently become household names thanks to their dramatic impact on weight loss. Beyond shedding pounds, early evidence also points to promising benefits for chronic kidney disease, certain liver conditions, and cardiovascular health.

But with surging demand for GLP-1s driven by their weight-loss potential, there’s growing concern about access for those who rely on them for critical medical conditions. As supply chains stretch thin, the ripple effects are being felt in unexpected places, including the rise of gray and black markets offering questionable or counterfeit alternatives to meet unmet demand.

In this episode of Balancing the Future, Micah and Chai are joined by Ben Locwin, Chief Scientist and Head of Clinical Services at Black Diamond Networks. Together, they unpack the meteoric rise of GLP-1s in popular culture and how platforms like TikTok and Instagram have helped fuel the frenzy. They also examine the darker undercurrents of that attention: underground sales, off-label usage, and inequities in access.

One emerging issue is sustainability. Most GLP-1s are delivered via disposable, single-use pens or prefilled syringes, products that are difficult to recycle and often end up in landfills or as medical waste. As millions more people begin using these injectables, the environmental cost is becoming impossible to ignore. The reliance on needles also poses challenges for people who have a fear of injections or are unwilling to self-administer shots regularly, increasing pressure on pharmaceutical companies to fast-track the development of oral alternatives.

Ben Locwin brings deep insight as a healthcare executive, medical scientist, TEDx speaker, and frequent contributor to outlets like The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and NPR.

LINKS

• Ben Locwin on LinkedIn
• Black Diamond Networks Website
• METTLER TOLEDO Laboratory Solutions Website
• METTLER TOLEDO Laboratory Solutions on LinkedIn
• Balancing The Future Podcast Website
• Micah Schweizer on LinkedIn
• Chai Nussbaumer on LinkedIn

SOURCES

The GLP-1 journey: from discovery science to therapeutic impact – PubMed Central

The Ozempic Effect: Everything You Need to Know About Medical Weight Loss - Columbia University Department of Surgery

Adderall - Encyclopædia Britannica

Early development history of Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) - PubMed Central

A Snapshot History of Botox - Dimensionz Injectables

How to prevent gray market activities: A comprehensive checklist for pharmaceutical companies - Systech

FDA Approves First Over-the-Counter Naloxone Nasal Spray – US. Food and Drug Administration

Oral Insulin: The Rationale for This Approach and Current Developments - PubMed Central

ABOUT BALANCING THE FUTURE

Join Micah Schweizer and new host Chai Nussbaumer on Balancing the Future as they dive into the innovations shaping our world. From the potential of hydrogen in powering a greener planet, to the rise of GLP-1s in weight loss, and the frontier of microbiome-based treatments, they explore the science that's transforming our lives.

Each episode features in-depth conversations with scientists, communicators, and thought leaders pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. They also explore the impact these breakthroughs will have on a world in desperate need of sustainable solutions today.

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