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

The Europe glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists market was valued at USD 7.09 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 17.30% during the forecast period of 2025-2034, with the value likely to reach USD 14.34 billion by 2034.

Europe Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Agonists Market Analysis

The Europe GLP-1 agonists market is experiencing significant growth, driven by rising cases of type 2 diabetes and obesity. GLP-1 agonists are a class of incretin-based therapies that regulate blood sugar levels and promote weight loss, making them crucial for diabetes and obesity management. Increasing healthcare expenditure, a growing elderly population, and advancements in drug delivery systems are further propelling market expansion. The region's strong regulatory framework and widespread adoption of novel therapeutics contribute to the rising demand for GLP-1 agonists across European countries.

Market Drivers

• Rising Prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity - The increasing incidence of diabetes and obesity in Europe, driven by sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy diets, is a major market driver. GLP-1 agonists are gaining popularity as effective treatments due to their glucose-lowering and weight-loss benefits.
• Favourable Government Initiatives and Reimbursement Policies - European governments are actively supporting diabetes management through healthcare funding, patient access programmes, and reimbursement policies for innovative therapies, boosting market adoption.
• Advancements in Drug Formulations - The introduction of longer-acting GLP-1 agonists, such as once-weekly injectable and oral formulations, is enhancing patient compliance and driving market growth.
• Growing Preference for Combination Therapies - The increasing demand for combination therapies that integrate GLP-1 agonists with other antidiabetic drugs is improving treatment outcomes and expanding market opportunities.

Market Challenges

• High Treatment Costs - The high cost of GLP-1 agonists compared to conventional diabetes treatments limits accessibility, particularly in cost-sensitive healthcare markets.
• Side Effects and Patient Adherence Issues - Common side effects, including nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort, can impact patient adherence, slowing market expansion.
• Regulatory and Approval Complexities - Stringent European Medicines Agency (EMA) regulations and lengthy approval processes can delay the commercialisation of new GLP-1 therapies.

Future Opportunities

• Expansion in Obesity Treatment Market - Increasing regulatory approvals for GLP-1 agonists as obesity treatments present lucrative growth opportunities beyond diabetes management.
• Innovations in Drug Delivery Systems - Advances in oral GLP-1 formulations and smart drug-delivery devices will enhance patient convenience and market penetration.
• Strategic Collaborations and R&D Investments - Pharmaceutical companies are engaging in partnerships and investing in research to develop next-generation GLP-1 agonists with improved efficacy and fewer side effects.

Europe Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Agonists Market Trends

The Europe GLP-1 agonists market is witnessing steady growth due to increasing diabetes prevalence and rising obesity rates. Advancements in drug formulations, expanding therapeutic applications, and supportive healthcare policies are shaping market dynamics.

1. Increasing Adoption of Once-Weekly and Oral GLP-1 Agonists

The shift towards long-acting formulations, such as once-weekly injections and oral GLP-1 agonists, is improving patient compliance. These innovations reduce injection frequency, making treatment more convenient and accessible.

2. Rising Demand for GLP-1 Agonists in Obesity Management

Beyond diabetes treatment, GLP-1 agonists are gaining traction for weight management due to their appetite-suppressing effects. With obesity rates rising across Europe, regulatory bodies are approving these drugs for broader use.

3. Growing Focus on Cardiovascular Benefits

Clinical studies highlighting the cardiovascular protective effects of GLP-1 agonists are driving their adoption. European healthcare providers are increasingly prescribing these drugs to diabetic patients with cardiovascular risks.

4. Expansion of Healthcare Coverage and Reimbursement Policies

Several European countries are expanding reimbursement policies to improve access to GLP-1 agonists. Government support and insurance coverage are making these treatments more affordable, boosting market penetration.

5. Increasing Research into Multi-Target Therapies

Pharmaceutical companies are developing dual and triple receptor agonists that target multiple metabolic pathways. These next-generation therapies promise enhanced efficacy for both diabetes and weight management.

6. Strategic Collaborations and Biosimilar Development

Leading pharmaceutical firms are engaging in partnerships to develop biosimilars and next-generation GLP-1 therapies. This trend is expected to enhance drug affordability and market accessibility in the coming years.

Europe Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Agonists Market Segmentation

Market Breakup by Drugs

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

The Europe GLP-1 agonists market is led by dulaglutide, exenatide, liraglutide, tirzepatide, lixisenatide, and semaglutide, each playing a significant role in diabetes and obesity management. Semaglutide and tirzepatide are witnessing the highest growth due to their superior efficacy, extended half-life, and weight-loss benefits. Dulaglutide and liraglutide remain widely used due to their established clinical effectiveness, while exenatide and lixisenatide continue to be prescribed for specific patient needs. Ongoing research, expanding therapeutic applications, and rising obesity cases are expected to drive the adoption of these drugs, reinforcing market growth across Europe.

Market Breakup by Application

• Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
• Obesity

GLP-1 agonists are primarily used for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) management, with growing demand due to rising diabetes prevalence, ageing populations, and government-backed treatment initiatives. The segment benefits from improved glycaemic control and cardiovascular advantages, driving long-term market expansion. Meanwhile, obesity treatment is emerging as a key growth area, supported by increasing clinical endorsements and patient preference for effective weight-loss therapies. With regulatory approvals expanding GLP-1 usage for weight management, the obesity segment is expected to witness significant growth, reshaping the market landscape in Europe.

Market Breakup by Route of Administration

• Parenteral
• Oral

The parenteral route dominates the market, with injectable formulations widely used for long-acting GLP-1 agonists. Advances in once-weekly and extended-release injections enhance patient compliance, sustaining segment growth. However, the oral segment is gaining momentum, led by innovations like oral semaglutide, which offer enhanced convenience and improved adoption among patients reluctant to use injections. With continued R&D efforts in oral formulations, this segment is set to expand, contributing to market diversification.

Market Breakup by End User

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

Hospitals account for the largest market share due to their role in diabetes management and obesity treatment. Specialty clinics are growing in prominence, offering focused diabetes care and weight-loss programmes. Academic and research institutes are driving innovation through clinical trials and drug development. The others category, including home healthcare and outpatient settings, is expanding with increasing demand for self-administered therapies, supporting overall market growth.

Market Breakup by Distribution Channel

• Hospital Pharmacies
• Retail Pharmacies
• Online Pharmacies

Hospital pharmacies lead in distribution, given the high volume of prescriptions from healthcare facilities. Retail pharmacies maintain a strong presence, catering to chronic disease patients requiring long-term treatment. Online pharmacies are witnessing rapid growth due to increasing digitalisation, patient convenience, and direct-to-consumer sales models. This segment is expected to expand further with the rising adoption of e-commerce and telemedicine services.

Market Breakup by Region

• United Kingdom
• Germany
• France
• Italy
• Others

The United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Italy represent key markets for GLP-1 agonists, driven by strong healthcare infrastructure, favourable reimbursement policies, and high diabetes prevalence. The United Kingdom leads in obesity-related GLP-1 adoption, while Germany dominates in diabetes treatment due to extensive clinical research. France and Italy contribute significantly through government-supported healthcare programmes and rising awareness. The others category, covering smaller European markets, is expected to grow steadily with increasing healthcare investments and drug approvals, further strengthening Europe’s position in the global GLP-1 agonists market.

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

The Europe GLP-1 agonists market is highly competitive, with key players focusing on innovation, strategic collaborations, and market expansion. Eli Lilly and Company, Sanofi, Novo Nordisk A/S, AstraZeneca plc, Pfizer Inc., Boehringer Ingelheim, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Amgen Inc., and GlaxoSmithKline plc are leading the market. Companies are actively engaging in mergers and acquisitions to strengthen their product portfolios and expand market reach. Research and development efforts are accelerating new drug formulations, including oral and combination therapies. Product introductions and partnerships with healthcare providers are enhancing patient accessibility and compliance, driving the market’s sustained growth.

Key Questions Answered in the Report

• What factors are driving the growth of the GLP-1 agonists market in Europe?
• How is the increasing prevalence of diabetes and obesity influencing GLP-1 agonist adoption in Europe?
• What role do government policies and healthcare initiatives play in expanding the European GLP-1 market?
• Which GLP-1 agonist drugs are leading the European market, and why are they preferred?
• How is the shift towards oral GLP-1 agonists impacting market trends in Europe?
• What are the major challenges hindering the growth of GLP-1 agonists in the European market?
• How are pharmaceutical companies in Europe innovating GLP-1 therapies through research and development?
• What impact do mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships have on Europe’s GLP-1 agonists market landscape?
• How is the distribution of GLP-1 agonists evolving across hospital, retail, and online pharmacies in Europe?
• What future opportunities exist for GLP-1 agonists in Europe beyond diabetes and obesity treatment?

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 Europe 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 Europe 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 Europe 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.