GLP-1 agonists were originally approved to treat Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) – but their most recent incarnations, which consist of both next generation GLP-1s and combinations (Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, Zepbound), have moved beyond the realm of T2D into the treatment of obesity. With the US GLP-1 market valued at $49.3bn in 2024, and growing at a CAGR of 11%1, there is tremendous demand as these therapies become the go-to options for weight loss.
Key drivers of growth
Payer coverage has improved over time for newer GLP-1 options; with the approval of Wegovy to reduce CV risk in overweight/obese patients, coverage could also open up under Medicare
Patients are increasingly being prescribed key GLP-1s outside of their label indications: ~20- 25% of the Ozempic/Mounjaro claims are for patients without T2D
Outside of label is defined for Ozempic and Mounjaro as claims in patients without T2D and for Wegovy/Zepbound as claims in patients with BMI<27 or patients with BMI 27-29 without a weight-related comorbidity
Claims are being increasingly made in obese patients with comorbidities besides T2D, including hypertension (~25%), dyslipidemia (~15%), obstructive sleep apnea (~13%), and osteoarthritis (~10%)
Sources
1. Research and Markets, October 2024.
Accessed at: https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2024/10/01/2955841/28124/en/49-3-Bn-GLP-1-Markets-2024-2035-with-Boehringer-Ingelheim-Eli-Lilly-Novo-Nordisk Dominating.html
2. MITT, 2024.
3. Komodo, 2024.
4. Komodo, 2024.
