GLP-1 Companies Transforming the Metabolic Disorders Market

GLP-1 drugs have emerged as a groundbreaking treatment, transforming the management of type 2 diabetes and obesity. We analyzed close to 60 GLP-1 companies. In this article, discover the top 5 companies engaged in developing GLP-1 drugs.

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GLP-1 drugs, also known as GLP-1 receptor agonists or incretin mimetics, are a class of drugs that help manage blood sugar levels and enable weight loss. They work by mimicking the actions of the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone, which is released in the gastrointestinal tract in response to eating. One of the advantages of GLP-1 drugs is their ability to improve glycemic control (by stimulating insulin release and slowing the gastric emptying). In addition, these drugs have shown benefits in decreasing risk of cardiovascular diseases and kidney diseases and treating lipid disorders. Notably, research in this domain is focused on exploring the potential of GLP-1 drugs in treating other metabolic diseases, thereby expanding their therapeutic reach.

Driven by the rising prevalence of chronic diseases (particularly diabetes and obesity), rapid progress in research and development initiatives (with several promising candidates), expanding potential of these drugs in other metabolic disorders and favorable reimbursement policies, the GLP-1 industry has gained significant traction in the last few years.

Roots Analysis has conducted an exhaustive study on GLP-1 Market, featuring the current market landscape and future opportunities for companies developing GLP-1 drugs over a span of 12 years.

Table of Contents

Below, we have listed (in decreasing order of the number of unique GLP-1 drugs developed), the top 5 GLP-1 companies:

1. Eli Lilly 
2. D&D Pharmatech
3. Novo Nordisk 
4. Tonghua Dongbao Pharmaceutical
5. Vivani Medical

Interested in exploring all 55+ GLP-1 companies across various regions?

1. Eli Lilly, Aims to Transform Diabetes and Obesity Care through Groundbreaking Medicines and Innovative Solutions

Eli Lilly focuses on the discovery and development of medicines that make life better for people across the globe. The product portfolio of the company primarily includes anti-diabetic drugs / therapies and insulin delivery devices. It also includes therapies and solutions for the treatment / management of other chronic conditions, including hemophilia, growth disorders and obesity. Further, Eli Lilly is a multinational company, with products marketed across 120 countries. It is worth mentioning that the company has R&D centers in China, Denmark, India, the UK and the US; notably, the firm states to have conducted clinical trials in more than 55 countries.

The following table presents the details of Eli Lilly’s GLP-1 drugs pipeline, along with details on the current status of development and target indication(s). The table also provides information on the type of agonist – single, dual or triple-agonist.

Sr. No	Drug	Status of Development	Type of Agonist	Target Indication
1	Trulicity®	Marketed	Single-agonist	Type 2 Diabetes
2	Mounjaro®	Marketed	Dual-agonist	Type 2 Diabetes
3	Zepbound®	Marketed	Dual-agonist	Obesity
4	Mazdutide, LY3305677, IBI-362	Pre-registration	Dual-agonist	Obesity
	Mazdutide, LY3305677, IBI-362	Phase III	Dual-agonist	Type 2 Diabetes
5	Retatrutide, LY3437943	Phase III	Tri-agonist	Type 2 Diabetes, Obesity
6	Orforglipron, LY3502970	Phase III	Single-agonist	Type 2 Diabetes, Obesity
7	LY3298176, Tirzepatide	Phase III	Dual-agonist	Sleep Apnea
	LY3298176, Tirzepatide	Phase III	Dual-agonist	Heart Disease
	LY3298176, Tirzepatide	Phase II	Dual-agonist	Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis
	LY3298176, Tirzepatide	Phase II	Dual-agonist	Chronic Kidney Disease
8	LY3493269, NA	Phase I	Dual-agonist	Type 2 Diabetes

Recent Developments: 

• In May 2024, the company participated in the GLP-1-based Therapeutics Summit, held in Pennsylvania, US.
• In April 2024, the company expanded its injectable medicine manufacturing capabilities through the acquisition of  Nexus Pharmaceuticals in Wisconsin, US; the new facility is likely to increase the capacity for global parenteral (injectable) product manufacturing and support increased demand for the company's medicines.
• In March 2024, the company entered into an agreement with Amazon Pharmacy for B2C delivery of prescribed medicine (including Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro and Zepbound) to a patient’s home.1
• In November 2023, the company participated in the 7th Obesity and NASH Drug Development 2023, held in Massachusetts, US.

Further information related to Eli Lilly’s GLP-1 drugs and pipeline of other GLP-1 companies is available in the full report.

2. D&D Pharmatech, Engaged in Research and Development of Healthcare Products, Intends to Treat Neurological, Oncological and Metabolic Diseases 

D&D Pharmatech focuses on developing innovative therapeutic solutions through disease-specific subsidiaries, including Neuraly, Precision Molecular, Valted Seq, and P4 Microbiome. The firm leverages its proprietary PEGylation technology platform and oral peptide platform technology to develop groundbreaking therapies and address unmet medical needs. Further, D&D Pharmatech has secured significant funding for its GLP-1 drug development initiatives.

The following table presents the details of D&D Pharmatech’s GLP-1 drugs pipeline, along with details on the current status of development and target indication(s). The table also provides information on the type of agonist – single, dual or triple-agonist.

Sr. No	Drug	Status of Development	Type of Agonist	Target Indication
1	DD01	Phase I	Dual-agonist	Type 2 Diabetes, Obesity, Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
2	DD02S	IND-Enabling	Single-agonist	Obesity
3	NLY12	IND-Enabling	Single-agonist	Type 2 Diabetes, Obesity
4	DD03	Discovery / Preclinical	Tri-agonist	Obesity, Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis
5	DD14	Discovery / Preclinical	Dual-agonist	Obesity
6	DD15	Discovery / Preclinical	Tri-agonist	Obesity

Recent Developments: 

• In March 2024, the company received fast track designation from the US FDA for its metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) drug, namely DD01 (a novel long-acting GLP-1 glucagon receptor agonist).
• In May 2023, D&D Pharmatech entered into an agreement with Metsera, in order to jointly research and develop GLP-1 drug.2

Further information related to D&D Pharmtech’s GLP-1 drugs and pipeline of other GLP-1 companies is available in the full report.
 

3. Novo Nordisk, Engaged in Offering Novel Medicines and Delivery Systems, Addresses Unmet Medical Needs of People Suffering from Chronic Indications

Novo Nordisk is focused on developing and manufacturing innovative treatments for diabetes and obesity. The company has a strong emphasis on GLP-1 drugs, which are highly effective in managing type 2 diabetes and promoting weight loss. It's worth noting that the company has research and development centers located in China, Denmark, India, UK and the US. Its strong focus on innovation and patient-centric approach aims to address the complex challenges inherent in the healthcare industry. Notably, the company has adopted an innovative environmental strategy involving development of products that can be recycled / reused, striving to reduce waste and have zero environmental impact.

The following table presents the details of Novo Nordisk’s GLP-1 drugs pipeline, along with details on the current status of development and target indication(s). The table also provides information on the type of agonist – single or dual agonist.

Sr. No	Drug	Status of Development	Type of Agonist	Target Indication
1	Rybelsus, Semaglutide Oral	Marketed	Single-agonist	Type 2 Diabetes
	Rybelsus, Semaglutide Oral	Phase III	Single-agonist	Alzheimers Disease
	Rybelsus, Semaglutide Oral	Phase III	Single-agonist	Obesity
2	Ozempic, Semaglutide Subcutaneous	Marketed	Single-agonist	Type 2 Diabetes
3	Wegovy, Semaglutide Subcutaneous	Marketed	Single-agonist	Obesity
4	Victoza, Liraglutide	Marketed	Single-agonist	Type 2 Diabetes
	Victoza, Liraglutide	Phase II	Single-agonist	Parkinson's disease
5	Saxenda, Liraglutide	Marketed	Single-agonist	Obesity
6	XULTOPHY, Insulin Degludec / Liraglutide	Marketed	Single-agonist	Type 2 Diabetes
7	Semaglutide Subcutaneous	Phase III	Single-agonist	Alzheimer’s Disease
	Semaglutide Subcutaneous	Phase III	Single-agonist	Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis
8	NNC0487, Amycretin	Phase I	Dual-agonist	Obesity

Recent Developments:

• In April 2024, the company announced an investment of USD 556 million for expansion of its Tianjin production facility in Beijing, China.
• In May 2024, the company signed an agreement with Flagship Pioneering and Metaphore Biotechnologies to design next-generation therapeutics (targeting the GLP-1 receptor and related biology) for the treatment of obesity.
• In February 2024, the company expanded its manufacturing capacity through the acquisition of 3 aseptic fill finish manufacturing sites from Novo Holdings (through acquisition of Catalent) in Anagni (Italy), Brussels (Belgium) and Indiana (US).
• In September 2023, the company signed an agreement with Ypsomed to manufacture autoinjectors for delivery of drugs targeting metabolic disorders.

Further information related to the Novo Nordisk’s GLP-1 drugs and pipeline of other GLP-1 companies is available in the full report.

4. Tonghua Dongbao Pharmaceutical, Claims to be the First Firm in China to have Launched Human Insulin Products

Tonghua Dongbao leverages its expertise and capabilities for the development of Chinese patent medicines, chemical medicines, and biological products. The company has consistently innovated and expanded its product portfolio to cater to various medical needs. Notably, Tonghua Dongbao claims to have five novel drugs in its pipeline (including three diabetic drugs and two for the treatment of gout). Further, it has developed novel drugs, such as GLP-1 receptor agonists, which have been approved for marketing in recent years. According to the company’s website, it has more than three manufacturing plants, having capacity of producing over 300 million cartridges and vials.

The following table presents the details of Tonghua Dongbao Pharmaceutical’s GLP-1 drugs pipeline, along with details on the current status of development and target indication(s). The table also provides information on the type of agonist – single or dual agonist.

Sr. No	Drug	Status of Development	Type of Agonist	Target Indication
1	Liraglutide injection	Marketed	Single-agonist	Type 2 Diabetes
2	THDBH120	Discovery / Preclinical	Dual-agonistt	Type 2 Diabetes
3	THDBH110	Discovery / Preclinical	Single-agonist	Type 2 Diabetes, Obesity
4	Insulin Degludec and Liraglutide Injection	Discovery / Preclinical	Dual-agonist	Type 2 Diabetes
5	Semaglutide Injection	Discovery / Preclinical	Single-agonist	Type 2 Diabetes

Recent Developments: 

• In May 2024, the company signed commercialization agreement with Beijing Quality Peptide Biopharmaceutical Technology (QL Biopharm) for the commercialization of latter firm’s GLP-1 drug (ZT001 Semaglutide) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in China.3
• In April 2024, the NMPA announced the approval of the company’s generic Liraglutide injection in China for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Further information related to Tonghua Dongbao Pharmaceutical’s GLP-1 drugs and pipeline of other GLP-1 companies is available in the full report.

5. Specializing in Developing Miniaturized Biopharmaceutical Implants, Vivani Medical Reduces Medication Compliance Issues and Enhances Clinical Outcomes

Vivani Medical is a pre-clinical stage firm developing GLP-1 drug (miniature, subdermal) implants using its proprietary NanoPortal platform technology. The company's lead candidates, NPM-115 and NPM-119, are six-month GLP-1 (exenatide) implants for body weight management and type 2 diabetes, respectively. Further, the company is also exploring broader applications for NanoPortal technology across various molecule types, including peptide therapeutics.

The following table presents the details of Vivani Medical’s GLP-1 drugs pipeline, along with details on the current status of development and target indication(s).

Sr. No	Drug	Status of Development	Type of Agonist	Target Indication
1	NPM-119	Phase I	Single-agonist	Type 2 Diabetes
2	NPM-115	Discovery / Preclinical	Single-agonist	Obesity
3	NPM-139	Discovery / Preclinical	Single-agonist	Obesity
4	OKV-119	Discovery / Preclinical	Single-agonist	Feline Diabetes Mellitus

Recent Developments: 

• In January 2024, the company participated in IDES Conference 2024, held in Boston, US and presented data on proprietary NanoPortal platform and updates on its lead programs, NPM-115 and NPM-119.
• In October 2023, the company participated in BIO Investor Forum, held in San Francisco, US and presented data on its drug candidate, NPM-115 and NanoPortal technology.

Further information related to Vivani Medical’s GLP-1 drugs and pipeline of other GLP-1 companies is available in the full report.

What About the Other GLP-1 Companies?

The above presentation features the top 5 GLP-1 companies selected from a pool of over 55 firms that we have compiled. If you're interested, you can download the Sample Report on this topic by Roots Analysis. For personalized assistance in identifying the most relevant solutions based on your specific criteria, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at sales@rootsanalysis.com.

Sources:

1. “Eli Lilly partners with Amazon to deliver GLP-1 drugs Mounjaro and Zepbound”
https://www.mmm-online.com/home/channel/eli-lilly-partners-with-amazon-to-deliver-mounjaro-and-zepbound/

2. “D&D Pharmatech Signs Follow-up Joint Research Agreement with Messera, USA”
https://www.koreabiomed.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=23594

3. “Sinovac Pharmaceutical joined hands with Tonghua Dongbao to accelerate the overseas expansion of domestic diabetes products”
https://topic.echemi.com/a/sinovac-pharmaceutical-joined-hands-with-tonghua-dongbao-to-accelerate-the-overseas-expansion-of-domestic-diabetes-products_311764.html