GLP-1 RECEPTOR AGONIST MARKET ANALYSIS
Global GLP-1 receptor agonist market is estimated to be valued at USD 25.10 Bn in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 55.70 Bn by 2031, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.1% from 2024 to 2031.
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The market growth can be attributed to factors such as rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes and obesity across countries. Global GLP-1 receptor agonist market is expected to witness lucrative growth over the forecast period as increasing number of patients are opting for GLP-1 drugs due to their greater efficacy and lesser side effects compared to conventional diabetes medications. Furthermore, rising launch of novel formulations such as long-acting therapies with dosing convenience can drive the market growth.
Rising prevalence of diabetes
Rising prevalence of diabetes across the globe can drive the global GLP-1 receptor agonist market growth. As per the International Diabetes Federation, approximately 537 million adults lived with diabetes in 2021, which is projected to increase to 783 million by 2045. This increased burden of diabetes cases boosts need for effective diabetes management. GLP-1 receptor agonists is an efficacious therapeutic option for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. These work by stimulating the beta cells of the pancreas to release more insulin when blood sugar levels are high. This unique mechanism of action enables better glycemic control along with weight loss benefits. According to WHO, more than 60% of adults with diabetes are overweight, which further exaggerates insulin resistance. GLP-1 receptor agonists provide an advantage over other antidiabetic drugs by simultaneously managing blood sugar as well as weight of patients. GLP-1 receptor agonists have gained popularity due to their established efficacy and safety profile demonstrated via long term clinical trials. For example, as per the research published by Diabetes Care Journal in 2021, treatment with GLP-1 receptor agonist semaglutide led to statistically significant and clinically relevant reductions in HbA1c and body weight that were sustained for more than 2 years in patients with type 2 diabetes. Such decisive therapeutic benefits have accelerated the shift towards GLP-1 receptor agonists from traditional antidiabetic therapies. Major pharmaceutical companies are also proactively launching affordable biosimilar versions of these drugs to increase accessibility in developing nations. For instance, in October 2023, American Diabetes Association Diabetes has emerged as the fastest-growing chronic disease globally and the costliest in the U.S. With over 37 million Americans affected, one in five are unaware about their condition. Each November, 116,500 Americans receive a diabetes diagnosis, with 23,500 people succumbing to related illnesses. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) urges awareness and action, offering resources to prevent, manage, and ultimately eradicate diabetes.
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Growing popularity of once-weekly dosing GLP-1 RA drugs
The once-weekly glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) drugs are becoming increasingly popular among patients and physicians for treatment of type 2 diabetes. These drugs offer the clinical benefits of GLP-1 RAs through consistent weekly dosing rather than daily injections. The convenience of weekly injections has improved patient compliance and adherence to therapy. Drugs like semaglutide and dulaglutide, which come in prefilled pen devices, now allow patients to self-administer injections with ease on their scheduled day of the week. This shift towards longer-acting formulations has seen dramatic uptake rates for newer once-weekly GLP-1 RAs in major markets. For instance, sales data from the Australian Department of Health showed that the number of subsidized prescriptions for semaglutide had increased by over 250% from 2019 to 2021. In the U.S., weekly GLP-1 RAs dominate new prescription volumes for diabetes treatment as per the quarterly reports by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Drugmakers have also increased marketing efforts and educational campaigns around the simplicity and flexibility that weekly products offer. The promising efficacy and safety results from large outcome trials on cardiovascular risk reduction with semaglutide and dulaglutide have further strengthened the clinical value proposition for physicians. It is now recommended as the preferred injectable option after lifestyle and metformin. As per WHO, type 2 diabetes prevalence rises globally especially in developing countries that boosts need for better chronic disease management, and this boosts adoption of convenient and effective treatments like weekly GLP-1 RAs.
Key Takeaways from Analyst:
Global GLP-1 receptor agonist market growth is driven by rising prevalence of diabetes worldwide. As per the International Diabetes Federation, approximately 537 million adults lived with diabetes in 2021, and this number is expected to rise to 783 million by 2045. Increasing awareness about managing blood sugar levels efficiently through GLP-1 receptor agonists boosts demand for these drugs.
North America currently dominates the global GLP-1 receptor agonist market due to high healthcare spending and rapid uptake of innovative treatments. However, Asia Pacific region is expected to offer lucrative opportunities owing to rising geriatric population and increasing affordability of diabetes care in countries like China and India.
New, long-acting formulations with dosing convenience and better efficacy profiles can also drive the market growth. However, high costs of these biologics remain a major challenge, especially in emerging markets. Patent expiries of some blockbuster drugs can hamper the market growth.
Increasing number of pipeline drugs with once-weekly dosing attributes can offer market growth opportunities. Partnerships between drug manufacturers, especially among innovators and generics producers, can help enhance accessibility in various regions.
Market Challenges: High development cost of GLP-1 drugs
The high development cost of GLP-1 drugs can hamper the global GLP-1 receptor agonist market growth. Developing a new drug and bringing it to the market requires huge investments. On average, it takes 10-15 years and costs over US$ 2.6 billion to develop a new prescription drug and bring it to market, according to estimates from Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development. This long development timeline and high investment requirement poses significant challenges for pharmaceutical companies, especially small and mid-size companies with limited financial resources. Clinical trials needed to prove the safety and efficacy of new drugs is a lengthy and expensive process. It usually involves three phases of human trials including thousands of subjects. Manufacturing of biologics such as GLP-1 drugs under good manufacturing practices and ensuring consistency between multiple large-scale batches also increases the production costs. Additional costs include extensive research, formulation development, preclinical testing, regulatory reviews and approvals. With such a heavy cost burden, companies aim to maximize profits by maintaining higher prices of approved GLP-1 drugs, which impacts their affordability and accessibility for patients globally.
Market Opportunities: Combination therapy drug development
Combination therapy drug development can offer opportunity for global GLP-1 receptor agonist market growth. As researchers gain deeper understandingabout diabetes and related conditions, these are discovering that targeting multiple pathways simultaneously can produce better health outcomes than acting on any one pathway alone. Combination therapies allow for lower dosing of individual drugs, reducing side effects while achieving optimal clinical results.
Current research trends indicate that developing fixed-dose combination therapies of GLP-1 receptor agonists with other classes of antidiabetic drugs could help more patients achieve glycemic control. In 2021, according to a report published by International Diabetes Federation, only around half of people with diabetes globally meet treatment targets for blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol. Combining GLP-1 agents with existing first-line therapies has shown promise in better managing multiple facets of diabetes in single pill formulations. This reduces the treatment burden on patients and makes regimen adherence less challenging.
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By Drug Class - Liraglutide contributes the highest share of the market owning to its effectiveness and superior efficacy
By drug class, liraglutide segment is estimated to contribute the highest market share of. Liraglutide, being one of the earliest GLP-1 receptor agonists to be approved, has witnessed substantial adoption over the years. Its once-daily subcutaneous administration provides consistent glycemic control throughout the day. Clinical trials have demonstrated Liraglutide's ability to lower HbA1c levels by up to 1.5% on an average, with weight loss of 2-3 kg observed as an added benefit. The drug also helps reduce cardiovascular risks in Type 2 diabetes patients. These therapeutic advantages have led to increasing prescriptions by clinicians for glycemic management. Novo Nordisk's extensive promotional activities have amplified awareness and acceptance of Liraglutide among both healthcare professionals as well as patients. This has propelled its usage rates as compared to other GLP-1 receptor agonists. Sustained clinical evidence, proven safety profile and successful marketing strategies have made Liraglutide a preferred choice for long-term diabetes control
By Route of Administration - Parenteral contributes the highest share of the market due to convenience
By route of administration, parenteral segment is estimated to contribute the highest market share of, owing to its unparalleled convenience. While oral formulations offer non-invasive dosing, their low bioavailability and potential gastrointestinal side effects have remained major limitations. Injectable GLP-1 receptor agonists provide predictable absorption of the active drug directly into systemic circulation, resulting in consistent glucose-lowering activity. Prefilled multi-dose pens and autoinjector devices have further elevated the ease of self-administration via the subcutaneous route. This improved convenience has led to greater patient acceptance and better treatment compliance compared to other complex anti-diabetes regimens. With superior glycemic outcomes and handiness, parenteral GLP-1 receptor agonists witness higher prescription volumes from physicians as the preferred mode of delivery.
By Application - Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus contributes the highest share of the market due to increased efficacy in disease management
By application, type 2 diabetes mellitus segment is estimated to contribute the highest market share of, due to their augmented effectiveness in diabetes care. These drugs aid glycemic control through multiple mechanisms like enhancing insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon levels, and reducing appetite to induce weight loss. Studies have shown that GLP-1 receptor agonists provide better glycemic control and lower the risks of hypoglycemia compared to other anti-diabetes medications. Weight reduction achieved through these agents facilitates management of other diabetes co-morbidities and reduces cardiovascular complications. Furthermore, GLP-1 receptor agonists allow greater treatment customization based on individual patient's disease progression and therapeutic response. Due to increased awareness and need for optimized diabetes management, GLP-1 receptor agonists are increasingly becoming the preferred therapeutic option for type 2 diabetes patients.
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North America dominates the global GLP-1 receptor agonist market over with an estimated market share of 40.2% in 2024. The region has a highly developed healthcare infrastructure and availability of advanced treatment options. Healthcare expenditure is also higher in the U.S. and Canada compared to other parts of the world, enabling more patients to access costly drugs such as GLP-1 receptor agonists.
The presence of several leading pharmaceutical manufacturers and robust distribution networks in North America have boosted adoption of GLP-1 receptor agonists. Regional pharmaceutical players have undertaken initiatives to spread awareness among patients and physicians regarding the benefits of these drugs. This has significantly boosted the prescribing rates over the years.
Among regions, Asia Pacific is poised to register the fastest growth in the global GLP-1 receptor agonist market during the forecast period. Rapid economic development, rising healthcare expenditure, growing diabetes epidemic and increasing focus of international players on emerging Asian markets can drive the market growth.
Countries like China, India and South Korea offer huge export opportunities due to their large population base and increasing preference for quality American and European pharmaceutical products. International manufacturers have set up production facilities and are actively promoting GLP-1 drugs across Asia through collaborations with regional distribution partners. Many regional governments are also undertaking various initiatives to curb the diabetes burden and make advanced line of treatment easily available.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Market Report Coverage
| Report Coverage | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Year: | 2023 | Market Size in 2024: | US$ 25.10 Bn |
| Historical Data for: | 2019 to 2023 | Forecast Period: | 2024 to 2031 |
| Forecast Period 2024 to 2031 CAGR: | 12.1% | 2031 Value Projection: | US$ 55.70 Bn |
| Geographies covered: |
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| Segments covered: |
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| Companies covered: |
Eli Lilly and Company, Sanofi, Novo Nordisk A/S, AstraZeneca, Perrigo Company PLC, 3M Company, Bausch Health, Taro Pharmaceutical Industries, Novan Inc., Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd., Orgenesis biotech company, Verrica Pharmaceuticals, AbbVie Inc., Lee's Pharmaceutical Holdings Ltd, Cassiopea, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals |
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| Growth Drivers: |
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| Restraints & Challenges: |
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*Definition: Global GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Market involves pharmaceutical products that mimic the effects of naturally occurring glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). GLP-1 receptor agonists work by stimulating the release of insulin from the pancreas in a glucose-dependent manner. These are used as treatment options for type 2 diabetes by helping to control blood sugar levels. These have also been shown to promote weight loss in overweight/obese individuals with diabetes. The market includes drugs like exenatide, liraglutide, semaglutide, lixisenatide, and albiglutide.
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About Author
Vipul Patil is a dynamic management consultant with 6 years of dedicated experience in the pharmaceutical industry. Known for his analytical acumen and strategic insight, Vipul has successfully partnered with pharmaceutical companies to enhance operational efficiency, cross broader expansion, and navigate the complexities of distribution in markets with high revenue potential.
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