Home > Healthcare > Pharmaceuticals > Disease Specific Drugs > GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Market
The global GLP-1 receptor agonist market size was valued at USD 24.4 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at 9.7% CAGR from 2024 to 2032, driven by rising incidences of type 2 diabetes and obesity globally. A study published in The Lancet in June 2023 reveals that over half a billion people globally are living with diabetes, impacting individuals of all ages and genders in every country. This number is expected to more than double, reaching 1.3 billion within the next 30 years.
With the increasing prevalence of diabetes and obesity, GLP-1 receptor agonists have become popular due to their effectiveness in glycemic control and weight reduction, offering a dual benefit in managing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). As more patients and healthcare providers seek effective diabetes management solutions with minimal side effects, demand for GLP-1 receptor agonists is set to surge. These drugs, which mimic the activity of natural incretin hormones, help control blood sugar levels while also promoting weight loss, making them a crucial option for diabetic and obese populations. With these health benefits and advancements in drug formulations, the market is expected to experience substantial growth.
Report Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Base Year: | 2023 |
GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Market Size in 2023: | USD 22.4 Billion |
Forecast Period: | 2024 to 2032 |
Forecast Period 2024 to 2032 CAGR: | 9.7% |
2032 Value Projection: | USD 55.7 Billion |
Historical Data for: | 2021 to 2023 |
No. of Pages: | 160 |
Tables, Charts & Figures: | 280 |
Segments covered: | Drug class, Route of administration, Application, Distribution channel, and Region |
Growth Drivers: |
|
Pitfalls & Challenges: |
|
The market is poised for significant growth due to the increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes, rising obesity rates, and growing awareness of GLP-1 receptor agonists’ effectiveness in glycemic control and weight management. The World Obesity Atlas 2023 projects that by 2035, over 4 billion people globally could be classified as overweight or obese, a sharp increase from 2.6 billion in 2020. This would mean that over 50% of the world’s population—up from 38% in 2020—could be affected, excluding children under five. Additionally, obesity rates alone are expected to increase from 14% to 24% within this timeframe, potentially impacting nearly 2 billion adults, adolescents, and children by 2035.
However, the high cost of GLP-1 receptor agonists and limited access to these therapies in certain regions may act as restraining factors. The market's reliance on innovative drug formulations that can improve patient compliance is a strong growth driver, especially as several leading pharmaceutical companies invest heavily in research and development. Despite the benefits of GLP-1 receptor agonists, affordability and insurance coverage limitations remain critical barriers in some regions, which could potentially hinder widespread adoption.
The market is expected to witness strong growth through 2032, driven by increasing interest in drugs with multiple administration routes and improved drug efficacy. New GLP-1 receptor agonist formulations, such as once-weekly injectable and oral versions, are gaining traction, improving patient compliance and market reach. Additionally, advancements in research have enabled the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists for obesity treatment, which is anticipated to expand their usage beyond diabetes management.
For instance, in October 2024, a retrospective cohort study indicated that women with type 2 diabetes who used GLP-1 receptor agonists had a lower risk of developing new-onset uterine fibroids compared to those taking other antidiabetic drugs. GLP-1 receptor agonists were associated with a significantly reduced risk of new fibroid onset compared to metformin, specifically among patients who received at least two doses of medication.
As the healthcare industry adapts to the evolving needs of diabetic and obese patients, the demand for GLP-1 receptor agonists that offer a range of therapeutic options and flexible dosing schedules is expected to drive market growth further.
Based on drug class, the GLP-1 receptor agonist industry is subdivided into exenatide, dulaglutide, semaglutide, liraglutide, and other drug classes. The semaglutide segment held a dominant market share in 2023, with projections indicating sustained growth through 2032. Semaglutide’s efficacy in controlling blood sugar levels and promoting weight loss has driven its popularity among diabetic and obese patients. This drug class is known for its flexible administration options, including both injectable and oral formulations, making it a preferred choice among healthcare providers and patients alike. The success of semaglutide in managing T2DM and obesity has catalyzed its adoption, further supported by increasing approvals and patient preference for drugs that simplify diabetes management.
Based on the route of administration, the GLP-1 receptor agonist market is classified into parenteral and oral segments. The parenteral segment held the highest market share in 2023 and is anticipated to retain this trend through 2032. Injectable GLP-1 receptor agonists have traditionally dominated the market due to their effectiveness and bioavailability, making them the preferred choice for many healthcare providers. While oral formulations are emerging, injectable solutions continue to lead due to their established clinical success in managing blood glucose levels, providing healthcare providers with reliable options for managing T2DM and obesity in patients requiring stable, consistent dosing.
Based on application, the GLP-1 receptor agonist market is classified into obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and other applications. The type 2 diabetes mellitus segment captured the largest market share in 2023 and is anticipated to exhibit significant growth through 2032. T2DM remains one of the most prevalent chronic conditions worldwide, driving demand for effective and convenient treatment options. GLP-1 receptor agonists offer a promising solution for T2DM management, aiding glycemic control while addressing the weight management challenges associated with diabetes. The rising incidence of T2DM globally has further boosted the adoption of GLP-1 receptor agonists, especially as healthcare providers increasingly recommend these drugs due to their unique therapeutic benefits.
Based on distribution channel, the GLP-1 receptor agonist market is categorized into retail, hospital, and online pharmacies. The hospital segment held the highest revenue share in 2023. Hospitals play a crucial role in the distribution of GLP-1 receptor agonists, capturing a significant market share in 2022. As primary healthcare providers for patients with chronic conditions, hospitals are essential in managing diabetes and prescribing advanced treatments like GLP-1 receptor agonists. Hospitals’ adoption of GLP-1 receptor agonists is driven by their ability to manage and treat diabetic patients with a variety of therapeutic options, from daily injections to newly available oral formulations. Their accessibility and trained healthcare personnel ensure patient support, adherence to treatment regimens, and improved health outcomes.
North America held the largest share of the GLP-1 receptor agonist market in 2022 and is projected to grow at a robust CAGR through 2032. Factors such as a high prevalence of diabetes, increasing obesity rates, and a well-established healthcare infrastructure drive the demand for advanced diabetes treatments in this region. The United States, in particular, represents a large market for GLP-1 receptor agonists, driven by the presence of key pharmaceutical players and high levels of healthcare investment. Regional support for healthcare advancements and access to innovative therapies further strengthens North America’s position in the market, making it a major contributor to GLP-1 receptor agonist demand.
Companies such as Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly, AstraZeneca, and Sanofi dominate this market due to their strong research capabilities, innovative drug formulations, and commitment to addressing diabetes and obesity challenges. These leaders continually invest in developing advanced GLP-1 receptor agonist products to meet the growing demand for effective and patient-friendly diabetes solutions.
The competitive landscape of the GLP-1 receptor agonist industry includes Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
In July 2024, Pfizer announced its plans to advance a once-daily formulation of its oral GLP-1 receptor agonist, danuglipron. The company intends to begin dose optimization studies for this candidate in the latter half of 2024. Danuglipron aims to help maintain healthy blood sugar levels by promoting increased insulin release.
Click here to Buy Section of this Report
By Route of Administration
By Application
By Distribution Channel
The above information is provided for the following regions and countries: