Sou Hu Cai Jing·2026-01-01 03:43Core Insights - The GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) drug class is evolving from a simple diabetes treatment to a comprehensive metabolic therapy, showing potential in weight loss, cardiovascular benefits, and fatty liver disease, leading to intensified competition among pharmaceutical companies [1][2]. Industry Developments - The GLP-1 drug development has transitioned from single-target to multi-target approaches, with drugs like Eli Lilly's Tirzepatide (GLP-1/GIP dual-target) and Innovent's Ma Shidu (GLP-1/GCG dual-target) gaining approval, enhancing metabolic control across various indicators [2][3]. - Chinese pharmaceutical companies are emerging as significant players, with Innovent's Ma Shidu showing promising Phase III clinical trial results for weight loss and liver fat reduction, while other companies like Hengrui and Zhongsheng are advancing their own dual-target and oral formulations [3][4]. Market Expansion - The future growth of the GLP-1 market is shifting from traditional Type 2 diabetes and obesity treatments to broader disease areas, including metabolic dysfunction-related fatty liver disease (MASH), with drugs like Semaglutide already approved for MASH treatment [4][5]. - The concept of "high-quality weight loss" is gaining traction, focusing on preserving muscle mass while reducing fat, with several companies developing combination therapies that include GLP-1 and muscle-preserving agents [5]. Competitive Landscape - The GLP-1 market is dominated by Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, with their combined revenue expected to grow from approximately $2.9 billion in 2015 to about $49.4 billion by 2024, indicating a robust growth trajectory [43]. - The sales of Tirzepatide are projected to surpass those of Semaglutide, with significant revenue growth observed in both diabetes and weight loss indications [46][48]. Clinical Advancements - Innovent's Ma Shidu achieved a 20.08% average weight reduction in a Phase III trial, significantly outperforming the placebo group, and demonstrated a 71.9% reduction in liver fat content among non-diabetic participants [32][33]. - Hengrui's dual-target drug HRS9531 has shown positive results in its Phase III trials, with its application for market approval accepted by the NMPA [37]. Future Trends - The GLP-1 industry is at a pivotal point of rapid technological iteration and expanding indications, with a clear trajectory towards more comprehensive, convenient, and personalized metabolic disease management solutions [6].