GLP-1 Agonists Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Global Industry Analysis: By Route of Administration (Oral, Injection), By Molecule (Dulaglutide, Liraglutide, Semaglutide, Lixisenatide, Exenatide, Tirzepatide), By Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies, Others), and Region

GLP-1 Agonists Market was valued at US$ 21,867.6 million in 2022 and is poised to grow at a CAGR of 17.9% over 2024-2030. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists are a type of medication that is mostly used to treat type 2 diabetes. These medications replicate the activity of endogenous GLP-1, a hormone that is essential for glucose regulation. The market for GLP-1 Agonists is experiencing significant growth owing to the increase in the number of people suffering from Type 2 diabetes. Currently, GLP-1 agonist molecules are also prescribed off-label for obesity conditions. For instance, according to the National Diabetes Statistics Report, released by CDC about 38.4 million people have diabetes i.e., about 11.6% of the US population suffer from diabetes. Globally more than 537 million people are having diabetes conditions, and 764 million people are living with obesity.

The market for glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists has seen tremendous development and transition, driven by a variety of factors that affect its direction. The documented efficacy in diabetes management and the considerable cardiovascular advantages associated with particular GLP-1 agonists are two key drivers moving this industry ahead. The capacity of these drugs to increase insulin secretion and suppress glucagon release leads not only to better blood sugar control but also to a better cardiovascular profile, putting them in a favorable position in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Furthermore, another important motivator is the emphasis on weight management, with several GLP-1 agonists demonstrating weight loss benefits. This is especially useful in managing the typical comorbidity of obesity and type 2 diabetes. These drugs' weight-loss effects make them an appealing alternative for both patients and healthcare practitioners. Additionally, the exploration of additional indications beyond diabetes, such as obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, represents a significant market expansion possibility. Non-diabetic applications research provides up new therapeutic paths, potentially increasing the spectrum of GLP-1 agonists.

Additionally, several trends are influencing market dynamics. For starters, the focus on cardiovascular outcomes trials (CVOTs) and the accompanying excellent results have elevated the profile of GLP-1 agonists, making them more appealing to healthcare practitioners looking for complete diabetes management. Second, the tendency toward producing oral preparations addresses a long-standing barrier: injection apprehension. If successfully produced, oral GLP-1 agonists could revolutionize the market by improving patient adherence.

Despite these encouraging trends, the market has hurdles, including due to the high cost of GLP-1 agonists, which may limit access for specific patient populations. This economic barrier, combined with injection-related concerns, may limit widespread usage. Finally, the market is characterized by attractive drivers, prospects, and trends. While there are limitations, the promise of improved diabetes management, cardiovascular benefits, and new formulations places GLP-1 agonists at the forefront of diabetes care. The changing landscape emphasizes the importance of ongoing research, patient education, and smart market strategies to ensure the continued expansion and success of GLP-1 agonists in the dynamic field of diabetes treatments.

GLP-1 Agonists Market Key Developments:

• Nov 2024 – Ascendis Pharma has collaborated with Novo Nordisk to apply the TransCon technology platform to develop a once-monthly GLP-1 receptor agonist. This extended-release formulation of a GLP-1 receptor agonist aims to increase patients' convenience without compromising efficacy in treating obesity and type 2 diabetes. In return for the license, Ascendis will be eligible to receive total payments of up to $285 million in upfront, development, and regulatory milestone payments for the lead program.
• Sep 2024 - Global pharmaceutical company Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company Metsera, Inc., are accelerating next-generation medicines for obesity and metabolic diseases by joining forces with a portfolio of new weight loss medicines on efficient development and large-scale supply worldwide.
• Nov 2023 - The FDA's approval of Eli Lilly’s Zepbound™ (tirzepatide) represents a significant advancement in obesity treatment, as it uniquely targets both GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) hormone receptors. By activating both of these receptors, tirzepatide promotes weight loss more effectively than traditional treatments targeting only the GLP-1 receptor.
• On 4th December 2023, Roche acquired Carmot Therapeutics for US$ 2.7 Billion for their GLP agonists. Carmot Therapeutics is developing three molecules that could help Roche foray into the obesity space.
• In November 2023, AstraZeneca made a potential $2 billion investment in the expanding anti-obesity medical industry by licensing an experimental pill from China's Eccogene ECC5004, which is part of a class of extremely efficient weight-loss medicines known as GLP-1 receptor agonists in current injectable therapies.
• In June 2023, Pfizer announced the progress of its oral late-stage glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1-RA) candidate toward first clinical development for the potential treatment of adults with obesity and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).