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Emerging Markets Fuel $22B Weight-Loss Drug Boom
23 Oct
Summary
- Weight-loss drug market in China, India, and Brazil could reach $22 billion by 2035.
- GLP-1 drugs' affordability is improving, driving broader access in these markets.
- China is projected to surpass Brazil in market value by 2027.
The combined market for weight-loss drugs in China, India, and Brazil is projected to experience significant expansion, potentially reaching $22 billion by 2035, a substantial increase from its current $6.6 billion. This growth is driven by improving affordability and broader access to GLP-1 drugs, such as Novo Nordisk's Ozempic and Wegovy. These medications are becoming increasingly sought-after for weight loss and diabetes management globally.
Analysts predict an annual growth rate of 15% through 2035, attributed to the significant diabetes and obesity burdens in these nations. China and India hold substantial portions of the global diagnosed diabetes cases, while Brazil also faces considerable challenges. Despite low current penetration rates due to cost concerns, GLP-1 drugs are transitioning from a developed-market focus to a global access story.
China is expected to become the largest market among the three by 2027, with its market size reaching an estimated $13.7 billion by 2035. India, currently the smallest, faces barriers such as conservative attitudes toward injectables and affordability issues, though potential for growth remains. Major pharmaceutical companies are positioning to capitalize on this expanding opportunity.
