The diabetes and obesity market is expanding rapidly, with GLP-1 agonists a key medication that is proven to lower blood sugar levels, they also suppress appetite and reduce calorie intake.
J.P. Morgan Research forecasts that the GLP-1 market will exceed $100 bn by 2030, driven equally by diabetes and obesity usage.
This report summarises key information about GLP-1 and why it has become so important in the Pharmaceutical industry over the coming years.
Read: Catalent x Novo: the GLP-1 wars heat up
What are GLP-1 agonists?
GLP-1 agonists are a class of medications used to treat type 2 diabetes (T2D). Besides helping to lower blood sugar levels, they also suppress appetite and reduce calorie intake — fuelling their growing popularity as obesity drugs.
GLP-1s have been used to treat Type 2 Diabetes since 2005. The first to be approved was Byetta. Since then, more products have been developed that are even more effective.
The latest Ozempic and Mounjaro have helped the class of these medicines to grow faster. The newest GLP-1s and their combinations can help people lose 15–25+% of their weight on average.
Types of GLP-1 agonists
There are several types of GLP-1 receptor agonists. They can be broadly classified into two categories based on their duration of action:
- Short-acting formulas: These are typically taken once or twice a day.
- Long-acting formulas: These are taken once a week.
Here are some examples of GLP-1 agonists:
- Dulaglutide (marketed as Trulicity)
- Exenatide (marketed as Byetta and Bydureon)
- Liraglutide (marketed as Victoza)
- Lixisenatide (marketed as Adlyxin)
- Semaglutide (marketed as Ozempic and Rybelsus)
Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Agonists Market Analysis:
The Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Agonists Market size is estimated at USD 11.87 billion in 2023, and is expected to reach USD 12.55 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 1.12% during the forecast period (2023-2028). Source
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a positive effect on the market for Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Agonists as people with diabetes and high blood sugar levels are more likely to become seriously ill or die if they catch COVID-19.
GLP-1 Agonists are a type of medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes, and some are also approved for treating obesity. One of the benefits of these medicines over older ones, like sulfonylureas or meglitinides, is that they are less likely to cause low blood sugar levels. As well as helping to lower blood sugar levels, GLP-1 Agonists have important anti-inflammatory effects, can help protect the lungs and have a positive effect on the bacteria in the gut.
Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Agonists Market Trends
- Steady Growth: The global GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Market is set to witness steady growth, forecast to be a $100 Billion market by 2030.
- Market Share: North America and Europe collectively hold more than 70% of the market share, with the US holding the lion’s share.
- Collaborations and Acquisitions: Increasing collaborations and acquisitions among key players are also key trends, with Catalent’s acquisition by Novo Holdings a notable example
- Dulaglutide drug: Dulaglutide drug held the highest share of about 45.8% in the Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Agonists Market . Dulaglutide is fully funded for patients meeting special authority criteria in some countries. For instance, New Zealand guidelines recommend offering GLP1RAs to all patients with HbA1c levels above target, especially when GLP1RA use would provide additional reductions in cardiovascular risk and/or permit reduction or cessation of other therapies that contribute to weight gain or hypoglycemia.
(GLP-1) Agonists Restraining factors
- Regulatory Standards: Restricted FDA and other regulatory standards for new medication approval can hamper the growth of the GLP-1 Agonists market.
- Insurance Coverage: A lack of appropriate insurance plans may impede the expansion of the GLP-1 Agonists market.
- Adverse Effects: Adverse effects related to the use of GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs can also act as a restraining factor.
- Product Recalls: Product recalls by market players can negatively impact the market growth.
Market segmentation
1. By Drug Class:
- Dulaglutide
- Liraglutide
- Semaglutide
- Lixisenatide
- Exenatide
- Tirzepatide
The GLP-1 receptor agonist market from the dulaglutide is anticipated to grow at a robust pace over 2023-2032 attributed to its rising utilisation by healthcare professionals due to its efficacy in glycemic control, weight management, and cardiovascular benefits.
2. By Route of Administration:
- Oral
- Injection
The market from the oral segment is projected to gain momentum through 2032 on account of the introduction of oral formulations, which has revolutionized the market by providing a more convenient and patient-friendly option for diabetes management.
3. By Region:
- North America
- Europe
- APAC
- Latin America
- MEA
Asia Pacific held a sizable revenue share in the global GLP-1 receptor agonist market and is set to witness substantial development by 2032, attributed to the rising prevalence of diabetes driven by factors, such as changing lifestyles, unhealthy diets, and sedentary habits, which is contributing to the increasing demand for effective diabetes management drugs.
Key Market Players:
Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Agonists Market Leaders
- Novo Nordisk
- Eli Lilly and Company
- AstraZeneca
- Sanofi
- Pfizer
