GLP-1 RECEPTOR AGONIST MARKET ANALYSIS

GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Market Size and Trends

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.