Please note that the ABCD DTN-UK Meeting 2023 programme is subject to change

This joint guidance from the PCDS and ABCD aims to support clinicians in selecting alternative glucose-lowering therapies when GLP-1 RAs are unavailable during this period of national shortage.

The Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) have issued a National Patient Safety Alert regarding the shortage of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs). 

A summary of the alert is provided below: 

There are very limited, intermittent supplies of all GLP-1 RAs. Supplies are not expected to stabilise to meet full market demand until at least mid-2024. The supply issues have been caused by an increase in demand for these products for licensed and off-label indications.

Medicine Supply Notification

GLP-1 receptor agonists* used in the management of type 2 diabetes

MSN/2023/061

Tier 3 – high impact**

Date of issue: 27/06/2023

Link: Medicines Supply Tool

The Primary Care Diabetes Society (PCDS) and Association of British Clinical Diabetologists (ABCD) are very concerned about the ongoing national shortage affecting the availability of GLP-1 receptor analogues (GLP-1 RAs). This is very difficult for people with diabetes who are unable to access their GLP-1 RA medication, and for their clinicians who are unable to provide the treatment they feel is necessary.