Anti-obesity drugs to dominate biopharma trends in 2024, reports GlobalData

New Delhi: Anti-obesity drugs have emerged as the foremost trend set to shape the biopharmaceutical industry over the next year, according to GlobalData, a prominent data and analytics firm. This development is significant as obesity, a multifactorial disease marked by excessive body fat, heightens the risk of other severe health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and gastrointestinal disorders.

GlobalData’s mid-year update, “The State of the Biopharmaceutical Industry 2024 Edition,” delves into the upcoming trends and business environment of the sector. Based on a survey conducted between April 4 and May 10, 2024, which included 124 of GlobalData’s pharma clients and prospects, 18% of respondents identified obesity medications as the most impactful trend for the upcoming year.

“The introduction of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, such as semaglutide (Wegovy) and dual agonist tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) in the obesity space represents a groundbreaking advancement in obesity treatment,” said Costanza Alciati, Pharma Analyst at GlobalData. “Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy can facilitate up to 15% bodyweight reduction, while Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro demonstrated even greater efficacy, exceeding 20% reduction in bodyweight in trial subjects. These results almost match the effectiveness of bariatric surgery and are unheard of in the obesity space.”

Currently, 160 million people are affected by obesity across the seven major markets (7MM), with projections indicating a 0.57% annual growth rate over the next decade. The rising need for effective obesity treatments is evident, and the market potential for these medications is substantial. GLP-1 receptor agonist sales are anticipated to reach $125 billion by 2033, with 90% stemming from obesity drugs. 

Alciati pointed out, “The market potential of obesity medications is undeniable. GLP-1 receptor agonist sales, for example, are expected to reach $125 billion in 2033, 90% of which will be from obesity drugs. Furthermore, major pharma companies are struggling to meet the patient demand, prompting increased investment in research and development from new entrants in the sector.”

“Over 103 products are in active clinical development for obesity, and a total of 66 biotech and pharma companies are involved in obesity clinical trials. A record-high number of mechanisms of actions are being investigated, many of them seemingly very promising,” Alciati added. “We are witnessing a revolution in the obesity space and there is a large enough patient population for multiple companies to share the market and try to address the global epidemic. GlobalData expects even more companies to join the race in the next months, and more investment to be directed into this therapeutic area.”

GlobalData will host a live webinar, “The Impact of Obesity,” on June 13, 2024, to discuss the socioeconomic effects of obesity, current drug development trends, and the manufacturing and supply challenges associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists.