United States Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Agonists Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034

The United States glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists market was valued at USD 10.25 billion in 2024, driven by the rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes and obesity across the globe. The market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 8.20% during the forecast period of 2025-2034, with the value likely to reach USD 22.54 billion by 2034.

United States Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Agonists Market Analysis

The glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists market in The United States has witnessed substantial growth, primarily driven by the rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes and obesity. GLP-1 agonists, a class of injectable and oral medications, help regulate blood sugar levels and promote weight loss by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone’s natural effects. These drugs have gained significant attention due to their dual role in glycaemic control and appetite suppression. With continuous pharmaceutical advancements, the market is expected to expand further, offering improved treatment options and accessibility for patients.

Market Drivers

• Increasing Diabetes and Obesity Prevalence - The rising number of type 2 diabetes and obesity cases in the U.S. is a major factor driving GLP-1 agonists’ demand. Lifestyle changes and poor dietary habits have further contributed to the market’s growth.
• Advancements in Drug Formulations - The development of long-acting, once-weekly injectable formulations and oral GLP-1 drugs has enhanced patient compliance and boosted adoption rates.
• Favourable Reimbursement Policies - Government and private insurance coverage for diabetes management has increased, making GLP-1 agonists more accessible.
• Expanding Off-Label Use for Weight Management - Beyond diabetes treatment, GLP-1 receptor agonists are increasingly prescribed for obesity management, broadening the market scope.

Market Challenges

• High Treatment Costs - The high price of GLP-1 agonists remains a significant barrier, limiting affordability for uninsured or underinsured patients.
• Side Effects and Safety Concerns - Common side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal discomfort may reduce patient adherence.
• Market Competition and Biosimilars Entry - The presence of alternative diabetes therapies and the potential introduction of biosimilars could impact market dominance.
• Regulatory and Approval Challenges - Stringent FDA regulations for new drug approvals may slow down market entry for emerging formulations.

Future Opportunities

• Oral GLP-1 Agonist Expansion - The development of more effective oral formulations could enhance patient adherence and broaden market reach.
• Rising Investment in R&D - Ongoing research into combination therapies and improved formulations presents significant growth potential.
• Increasing Adoption in Weight Management - With obesity rates climbing, the use of GLP-1 agonists for weight loss is expected to grow substantially.
• Strategic Collaborations and Mergers - Pharmaceutical companies are investing in partnerships to strengthen product pipelines and expand market share.

United States Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Agonists Market Trends

The global GLP-1 agonists market is evolving rapidly, driven by rising diabetes and obesity cases, alongside advancements in drug formulations. Key trends highlight growing applications, improved patient convenience, and expanding market penetration.

1. Increasing Adoption for Obesity Treatment

Beyond diabetes management, GLP-1 agonists are gaining regulatory approvals for obesity treatment, driving market expansion. The rising global obesity burden is accelerating demand for these drugs in non-diabetic populations.

2. Shift Towards Oral and Once-Weekly Formulations

Innovations in oral GLP-1 agonists, such as semaglutide, and extended-release injections are improving patient compliance. Reduced dosing frequency enhances convenience, leading to wider adoption.

3. Expanding Therapeutic Applications

Research into GLP-1 agonists for cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and metabolic syndromes is diversifying market opportunities, attracting new investments.

4. Growth in Biosimilars and Generic Alternatives

Patent expirations of major GLP-1 drugs are prompting pharmaceutical companies to develop cost-effective biosimilars, increasing market accessibility.

5. Strategic Collaborations and Digital Health Integration

Leading players are engaging in partnerships to develop innovative drug-delivery systems, while digital health technologies, such as AI-based monitoring, are enhancing treatment outcomes.

United States Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Agonists Market Segmentation

Market Breakup by Drugs

• Dulaglutide
• Exenatide
• Liraglutide
• Tirzepatide
• Lixisenatide
• Semaglutide

The global GLP-1 agonists market is driven by key drugs such as dulaglutide, exenatide, liraglutide, tirzepatide, lixisenatide, and semaglutide. Among these, semaglutide leads due to its strong efficacy in diabetes and weight management. Tirzepatide, a dual receptor agonist, is gaining traction for superior metabolic control. Dulaglutide and liraglutide maintain significant market shares due to cardiovascular benefits. With increasing clinical advancements, drug innovations, and broader therapeutic approvals, these drugs are set to drive future market expansion, improving patient adherence and accessibility.

Market Breakup by Application

• Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
• Obesity

GLP-1 agonists are primarily used in type 2 diabetes mellitus, where they enhance insulin secretion, reduce glucose levels, and improve cardiovascular health. However, their growing role in obesity management is transforming the market. Regulatory approvals for weight loss treatment and increasing demand for non-surgical weight management solutions are fuelling adoption. Rising obesity prevalence and growing awareness of metabolic health are expected to propel further market expansion, making GLP-1 agonists a key therapeutic option in both segments.

Market Breakup by Route of Administration

• Parenteral
• Oral

Parenteral administration remains dominant, with most GLP-1 agonists available as subcutaneous injections. The introduction of once-weekly injections has significantly improved patient compliance. However, the rise of oral GLP-1 agonists, such as semaglutide, is transforming the market by offering a non-invasive alternative. As oral formulations gain approval and acceptance, they are expected to drive market growth by enhancing convenience, expanding patient accessibility, and addressing injection hesitancy, particularly in newly diagnosed patients.

Market Breakup by End User

• Hospitals
• Specialty Clinics
• Academic and Research Institutes
• Others

Hospitals lead the market due to the increasing demand for advanced diabetes treatments and access to specialist care. Specialty clinics are growing as personalised diabetes and obesity management gains traction. Academic and research institutes play a key role in clinical trials and drug development. The others segment, including homecare settings, is expanding as self-administration of GLP-1 agonists rises, driven by patient convenience and telemedicine advancements. The increasing shift towards outpatient care is expected to further support this trend.

Market Breakup by Distribution Channel

• Hospital Pharmacies
• Retail Pharmacies
• Online Pharmacies

Hospital pharmacies dominate due to their integration with healthcare facilities and specialist prescriptions. Retail pharmacies hold a significant share, supporting outpatient treatments and chronic disease management. Online pharmacies are rapidly expanding, driven by digital healthcare adoption, increased convenience, and the growing demand for doorstep delivery. With e-commerce transforming the pharmaceutical industry, online pharmacies are expected to witness strong growth, improving accessibility and affordability of GLP-1 agonists worldwide.

United States Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Agonists Market Competitive Landscape

The United States GLP-1 agonists market is highly competitive, with key players focusing on drug innovation, strategic collaborations, and market expansion. Leading companies include Eli Lilly and Company, Novo Nordisk A/S, Sanofi, AstraZeneca plc, Pfizer Inc., Boehringer Ingelheim, Amgen Inc., F. Hoffmann-La Roche, and GlaxoSmithKline plc. These firms actively engage in mergers and acquisitions to strengthen their portfolios. Research initiatives focus on developing next-generation GLP-1 drugs and expanding indications. Product introductions, including oral formulations and combination therapies, enhance market reach. Strategic partnerships with biotech firms and digital health companies drive innovation and accessibility.

Key Questions Answered in the Report

• What factors are driving the growth of The United States GLP-1 agonists market?
• Which pharmaceutical companies dominate the GLP-1 agonists market in The United States?
• How are mergers and acquisitions influencing competition in the U.S. GLP-1 agonists market?
• What role do research initiatives play in advancing GLP-1 agonist drug development?
• How are new product introductions, such as oral formulations, impacting market expansion?
• What strategic partnerships are shaping innovation in the U.S. GLP-1 agonists market?
• How is the adoption of GLP-1 agonists evolving for obesity treatment in the U.S.?
• What challenges affect the accessibility and affordability of GLP-1 agonists in the U.S.?
• How are digital health technologies enhancing patient adherence to GLP-1 agonist therapies?
• What future growth opportunities exist for the GLP-1 agonists market in The United States?

Key Benefits for Stakeholders

• The industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of The United States glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) Agonists market from 2018-2034.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in The United States glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) Agonists market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's five forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within The United States glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) Agonists industry and its attractiveness.
• The competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides insight into the current positions of key players in the market.