The GLP-1 market is on an unsustainable trajectory
Access, affordability and safety are all seeing meaningful challenges.

Understanding GLP-1s
First approved for the treatment of diabetes1, more recent clinical trials show injectable GLP-1 agonists help patients achieve weight loss of up to 12-18%—proving more effective than any existing medications.2
As we continue to see added indications such as weight loss, sleep apnea3, reduction in the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack and stroke4, and expect more indication approvals on the way demand for GLP-1 medications will continue to increase exponentially.

By 2030, almost 10% of the U.S. population will use GLP-1 medications, which may account for 10-20% of total drug spend.5
According to a recent KFF Health poll, one in eight adults have taken a GLP-1 agonist for weight loss.6
Supply shortages and high list prices for this powerful class of drugs, called GLP-1 agonists, have left many people who are suffering from diabetes and obesity without the medicines they need to stay healthy.7
Recognizing increasing demand for GLP-1s
This incredible rise in demand is creating affordability challenges that are making it difficult—if not impossible—to access for many people who could benefit most from GLP-1s.
GLP-1 utilization
J.P. Morgan Research forecasts that the GLP-1 market will exceed $100B by 2030, driven equally by diabetes and obesity usage.5 However, based on Express Scripts book of business data and utilization trends, the market is on track to surpass that threshold as early as 2025, not 2030.8
And then there’s the hundred-billion dollar question: can the pharmacy supply chain afford to cover, stock and dispense GLP-1s? New pricing models are taking shape, and those may offer a solution.

Pharmacies and GLP-1s
A 2024 survey of independent pharmacy owners showed 14% no longer stock GLP-1 medications, and another 59% are considering not dispensing them at all.9
Pharmacies are making tough calls to address the myriad of challenges they’re facing, like: Manufacturers’ high list prices of this drug class, unprecedented demand and manufacturer shortages. Some pharmacies are limiting fills and many others are electing to stop stocking the products altogether.

GLP-1 reimbursement
Large pharmacy retailers are requiring a disruption to the way GLP-1s are reimbursed. Pharma is taking inflation on these drugs, yet limited purchase discounts are made available to pharmacies. A reimagined reimbursement structure for pharmacies, driven by clinical outcomes, can enable more pharmacies to provide access to the care their patients need.
Ozempic, Mounjaro and hundreds of other drugs become even more expensive in 2024 | CNN Business

We are continually working to help you manage complex challenges such as the dynamic GLP-1 landscape.

Sources
- Sheahan KH, Wahlberg EA, Gilbert MP. An overview of GLP-1 agonists and recent cardiovascular outcomes trials. Postgrad Med J. 2020 Mar;96(1133):156-161. doi: 10.1136/ postgradmedj-2019-137186. Epub 2019 Dec 4. PMID: 31801807; PMCID: PMC7042958.
- Mozaffarian D. GLP-1 Agonists for Obesity-A New Recipe for Success? JAMA. 2024;331(12):1007-1008. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.2252
- FDA Approves First Medication for Obstructive Sleep Apnea, December 20, 2024 Press Announcement
- FDA Approves First Treatment to Reduce Risk of Serious Heart Problems Specifically in Adults with Obesity or Overweight, March 08, 2024 Press Announcement
- J.P. Morgan Global Research
- KFF Health Tracking Poll May 2024: The Public's Use and Views of GLP-1 Drugs
- High Price of Popular Diabetes Drugs Deprives Low-Income People of Effective Treatment
- Evernorth Book of Business data, 2024
- National Community Pharmacists Association.