Rapid Growth of the GLP-1 Drug Market: Trends, Players, and Future Prospects

April 22, 2025 | Deep Dives

Obesity in India: A Growing Concern

From fast food joints to office chairs, have you noticed how obesity is taking over? If you think it's just an occasional observation, think again. India is witnessing a staggering rise in obesity rates, with over 100 million obese individuals today.
Some states are more affected than others:
Kerala leads with 65.4% of its population categorized as obese, followed by Punjab (62.5%), Delhi (59%), and Tamil Nadu (57.9%). What’s even more alarming? 14.4 million children in India are already battling obesity, it brings a host of challenges, from increased health risks like diabetes and heart disease to social stigma, mobility issues, and rising healthcare costs, making it a complex global concern

This sharp surge in obesity isn’t just a public health concern—it’s reshaping how we approach wellness, nutrition, and chronic disease management. Traditional methods like diet and exercise, while crucial, are often not enough in the face of lifestyle shifts, genetic predispositions, and metabolic challenges. As doctors and patients seek more effective, long-term solutions, science is stepping in with innovative answers. And that’s where the spotlight shifts to a promising new frontier in obesity treatment: Pharmaceutical Intervention.

The Rise of GLP-1 Drugs: A Game-Changer

Enters GLP-1 receptor agonists—the revolutionary class of drugs that are changing the way we tackle diabetes and obesity. Initially developed to help Type 2 diabetes patients manage blood sugar levels, these drugs have demonstrated extraordinary potential in weight loss, cardiovascular health, and other emerging therapeutic areas. With obesity and diabetes cases soaring worldwide, demand for GLP-1 drugs has skyrocketed. Let’s break down why these drugs are making waves.

What Makes GLP-1 Drugs So Effective?

Our bodies naturally produce Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels and controls appetite. GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic this hormone, triggering several beneficial effects:

Blood Sugar Control: These drugs enhance insulin secretion in response to high glucose levels, helping diabetics manage their condition better.
Weight Loss: By reducing hunger and promoting a feeling of fullness, GLP-1 drugs lower food intake, leading to sustained weight loss.
Heart Health: Studies show that GLP-1 drugs can reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, lowering the risk of heart disease.

With such powerful benefits, it’s no surprise that GLP-1 drugs are gaining traction not just among diabetics but also among individuals looking for weight loss solutions.

Market Landscape and Growth Trends

Global Market Trends

Globally, the GLP-1 receptor agonist market is experiencing robust growth, with a valuation of USD53.46 billion in 2024. Forecasts predict a CAGR of 17.46% from 2025 to 2030, with an expected market value of USD120.91 billion by 2030.

Industry developments include AbbVie’s USD2.23 billion deal with Gubra A/S to develop an amylin-targeting obesity drug, and Eli Lilly’s strategic price reduction for its weight-loss drug Zepbound to maintain market share.

India’s GLP-1 Market

India's GLP-1 receptor agonist market is expanding rapidly, driven by the rising incidence of obesity and diabetes. In 2023, the Indian GLP-1 market was valued at USD 105.7 million and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 27.5%, reaching approximately USD 578.9 million by 2030.

Major GLP-1 Drugs in the Market

Several GLP-1 drugs are leading the market due to their proven effectiveness:

Ozempic (Semaglutide): Originally developed for diabetes but widely used for weight loss.
Wegovy (Semaglutide): Specifically approved for weight loss management.
Mounjaro (Tirzepatide): A newer-generation GLP-1 drug with enhanced weight-loss efficacy.

The Changing Consumer Trends: Why Is Everyone Talking About GLP-1 Drugs?

If you’ve noticed more people discussing weight-loss injections, you’re not alone. The demand for GLP-1 drugs is surging, particularly among non-diabetic individuals looking for effective weight-loss solutions. In the U.S., prescriptions for these drugs among obese patients jumped from 21,000 in 2019 to 174,000 in 2023! Even more fascinating, young adults are embracing these medications at an astonishing 600% higher rate than in 2020.

Surprising fact: A study of 2 million Type 2 diabetes patients found that GLP-1 drug users had a lower risk of developing 42 different health conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease! Additionally, people using these drugs cut their grocery spending by 6% within six months, as they consume fewer ultra-processed foods.

API and Formulations

Neuland is actively developing APIs for GLP-1 receptor agonists. They are working on Tirzepatide, a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, which enhances insulin secretion and reduces glucagon levels in a glucose-dependent manner.
Sun Pharma is developing Utreglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist intended for weight loss and type 2 diabetes treatment, with plans for market introduction in the coming years.
Dr. Reddy's is a prominent producer of Liraglutide API, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. The company holds regulatory approvals such as USDMF and EUDMF for this product.
Biocon is preparing to launch its generic version of Novo Nordisk's Saxenda (Liraglutide) in the UK by November.

Drug device
Shaily Engineering Plastics Ltd. has developed several drug delivery devices tailored for GLP-1 therapies, including Neo, Maxim and Axiom

Fill finish and distribution
OneSource has expanded its capacity to produce GLP-1 drug-device combinations. Their services encompass cartridge filling, assembly, and fill-finish processes.

Companies Poised to Benefit

Several pharmaceutical companies are well-positioned to benefit from the GLP-1 market expansion. Sun Pharma is investing in both branded and generic GLP-1 drugs, while Dr. Reddy’s (DRRD) has built a strong pipeline of GLP-1 generics, including Ozempic and Rybelsus. Natco Pharma is expected to be one of the first entrants into the semaglutide generics market by March 2026, while Cipla is working on innovative oral GLP-1 formulations that could revolutionize the market. Shaily Engineering is scaling up injector pen production to meet the rising demand for GLP-1 drug delivery devices.

Challenges and Side Effects: The Other Side of the Story

Despite their efficacy, GLP-1 receptor agonists pose potential challenges and side effects that may impact adoption. Gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation is common among users. Some individuals have experienced gallbladder problems, including an increased risk of gallstones. Although rare, cases of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) have been reported. Additionally, some patients undergoing rapid weight loss with GLP-1 drugs have shown signs of muscle and bone loss, necessitating further research into long-term effects. Long term effects are not known as it is only being used since past 5-6 years.

Future Market Insights and Trends

The future of the GLP-1 drug market is driven by key trends, including patent expirations, manufacturing challenges, and advancements in drug delivery. Patent expires in India, Canada, and Brazil by 2026, followed by U.S. market entry in 2031-32, will open opportunities for generics, increasing competition and affordability. The introduction of oral GLP-1 formulations is expected to further drive market expansion by offering a more convenient alternative to injectables. Additionally, the growing demand for GLP-1 drug delivery devices, such as injectors and pens, is prompting companies like Shaily Engineering to scale up production of GLP-1 pen, with a roadmap to enhance capacity from 35 million to 100 million over 3-5 years.

As India strides forward in healthcare innovation, the rise of GLP-1 drugs marks more than just a medical breakthrough—it signifies a societal shift in how we tackle chronic diseases. With an increasing burden of diabetes and obesity, these drugs have the potential to reshape public health policies, redefine preventive care, and alter the economic landscape of the pharmaceutical industry. From boardroom discussions in pharma companies to kitchen-table conversations in Indian households, GLP-1 drugs are not just changing prescriptions—they are changing perspectives. As we navigate this transformation, one thing is clear: the future of metabolic health is being rewritten, and India has a front-row seat in shaping its destiny.

Disclaimers and Disclosures

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