GLP-1s: The Hefty Cost Driver That Shows No Signs of Growing Leaner

GLP-1 utilization continues to balloon. With their demonstrated strong performance in treating conditions such as diabetes and certain cardiovascular risks, as well as their potential for lifestyle-related weight loss, the market for GLP-1s has truly skyrocketed, growing from a $46.7 billion market in 2024 to a mind-boggling projected $471 billion market by 2032. And these “hot” drugs are only getting hotter. Not only are direct-to-consumer advertising, celebrity promotion, and social media continuing to influence demand, but GLP-1s are also being explored to help solve a growing plethora of healthcare needs. On the horizon? New approvals for additional indications, new pathways of action, and GLP-1s as part of combination therapies. In other words, GLP-1s will remain buzzworthy for a long time to come – and given their price tags, employers need to be prepared. This episode will explore what employers need to know about the GLP-1 trend and what they can do to stay ahead of emerging trends and potential impacts of this already significant trend driver.    Hosts:   Bradley Nelson, PharmD, Vice President, Clinical Services    Tom Davies, PharmD, Medicaid Pharmacy Director, Utah Department of Health and Human Services; Former Vice President, Clinical Products at RxBenefits