GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in the Pharmaceutical Landscape: An Analysis of Current Applications, Market Barriers, and Future Developments

In recent decades metabolic disorders have emerged as one of the most pressing public health challenges globally, with obesity playing a crucial role in driving this trend. Despite the availability of various treatment options ranging from lifestyle modification to surgical interventions, sustainable management of obesity and its complications remains challenging and in need of more effective solutions. This thesis explores the impact of GLP-1 RAs, initially developed for Type 2 diabetes treatment, as innovative pharmacotherapeutic tools for obesity management. The analysis focuses on their clinical efficacy, mechanisms of action, market dynamics, and regulatory barriers, with particular attention to their potential to revolutionize the treatment of metabolic disorders. Evidence from clinical trials demonstrates promising outcomes in terms of sustainable weight loss and metabolic improvements. This thesis also discusses the expansion of the GLP-1 RA market across indications, access challenges and reimbursement considerations for key European markets, outlining how these therapies are reshaping the pharmaceutical landscape beyond obesity and diabetes through pipeline analysis.