GLP-1 development has massively increased over the five years since 2020 and has become a major trend within diabetes and obesity therapeutics. GLP-1 is a natural hormone that can play a key role in blood sugar regulation. When activated, the GLP-1 receptor triggers processes that enhance insulin secretion, increases insulin synthesis, promotes beta-cell proliferation and lowers glucagon secretion, eventually resulting in improved glucose control. This mechanism has led to a surge in drug development efforts targeting these pathways, particularly for type 2 diabetes and obesity treatment.
The drug class and trial landscape for GLP-1 receptor agonists has rapidly expanded, with several products either on the market or in the developmental pipeline. Recent studies have shown additional benefits of GLP-1 agonists, including weight loss, improved beta cell function and even cardiovascular benefits, all of which contribute to rising popularity and development focus.
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According to GlobalData’s clinical trials database, 2025 has been the leading year for GLP-1 activity, with 16.4% of all trials conducted during this period. A combination of stronger funding and investment, fewer trial cancellations and faster movement from planning to study start has supported the rise. The market growth is further supported by a wave of clinical trials, new regulatory approvals and ongoing research that explores expanding indications and combination therapies. Drugs such as tirzepatide activate both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, representing a new generation of multi-targeted therapies for metabolic diseases.
The US has conducted the most GLP-1 trials at 34.1% of the total, followed by China at 27.2%, Japan at 12.6%, Germany at 12.4% and Canada with 9.3%. The primary oral GLP-1 medication currently available is semaglutide, marketed under the brand name Rybelsus, which is approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
The two main players within this field are Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly. In 2025, Eli Lilly has initiated the highest number of trials for GLP-1s, followed by Novo Nordisk, which is one of the global leaders in GLP-1 drug development for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity. Novo Nordisk’s main GLP-1 product, Ozempic, has seen extraordinary commercial success, achieving more than DKr120 billion ($18.59 billion) in global sales in 2024 and becoming its best-performing product. The company continues to drive the GLP-1 market, contributing significantly to both diabetes and, recently, the fast-growing obesity segment. Its research pipeline extends into new GLP-1 drug combinations, therapies for related metabolic diseases and innovative research platforms such as protein engineering and biotechnological methods.
Eli Lilly is the primary peer to Novo Nordisk and also a global powerhouse in the GLP-1 therapeutics space. The company has a broad portfolio of GLP-1 agonists and continues to innovate with new oral and injectable formulations targeting both diabetes and obesity. Overall, GLP-1 trials reflect a space that has matured quickly, driven by clinical promise and public demand. The focus now seems to be shifting from foundational research to real-world application.
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By GlobalData
