Market Trends of Glucagon Industry
Hypoglycemia Segment is Expected to Witness Significant Growth During the Forecast Period
- Severe hypoglycemia is an emergency that affects Type I and Type II diabetic patient populations undergoing insulin and sulfonylureas treatment. Glucagon is an effective treatment for severe hypoglycemia, and the growing emphasis of government entities to increase the availability of this product is contributing to the segmental growth. For instance, according to the internal estimates of Xeris Pharmaceuticals Inc. published in March 2024, approximately 15 million people are at risk of experiencing severe hypoglycemia episodes among the total diabetic population. The prescription rate for this medication is projected to grow in the upcoming years, owing to the growing diabetic population, increased healthcare expenditure, growing focus on reimbursement benefits, and availability of more accessible treatment options.
- The government authorities of several countries offer reimbursement for glucagon products. For instance, according to the NHS Midlands and Lancashire January 2023 Review Publication, the UK reimbursement price for Ogluo, a stable glucagon formulation and pan-European name for Xeris’ Gvoke, is EUR 73 (USD 77.84) per single-use pen. Furthermore, the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) Clinical Practice Consensus Guidelines November 2022 recommends using glucagon in children who are unconscious or unable to swallow, including intramuscular and easier-to-use preparations administered intranasally or subcutaneously. Hence, such instances emphasize the increasing need for glucagon to treat severe hypoglycemia, thereby projected to drive segmental growth during the forecast period.
- Additionally, introducing ready-to-use glucagon products in different forms, such as prefilled syringes, autoinjectors, and nasal sprays, surges the demand for glucagon among patients suffering from severe hypoglycemia, contributing to segmental growth. For instance, in May 2023, Tetris Pharma Ltd launched Ogluo, a prefilled autoinjector glucagon pen in Denmark and Norway, for treating hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes aged 2 years and above.
- Hence, the hypoglycemia segment is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period due to the reimbursement benefits offered on these products and the availability of glucagon in different forms.
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North America is Expected to Dominate the Glucagon Market
- North America is expected to dominate the market due to factors such as the rising prevalence of diabetes, increasing prescription rate of glucagon, developed healthcare infrastructure, new product launches, and the strong presence of market players in this region. For instance, according to the Standards of Care in Diabetes 2024 published in December 2023, approximately 30 million people with diabetes in the United States should be prescribed and have ready-to-use rescue glucagon for use during a potentially severe hypoglycemic episode. Such recommendations emphasize the use of glucagon for the diabetic population to avoid the risk of severe hypoglycemia episodes, which is likely to drive the prescription rate for glucagon products, thus influencing the market’s growth in the region.
- In addition, the Canadian government is focused on increasing the availability of glucagon products across the country to meet the growing shortage. For instance, in July 2023, in response to the Tier 3 shortage, Health Canada declared Amphastar's generic glucagon injectable product "designated drug" status. This status allows drugs approved in other countries to be eligible for "exceptional importation and sale" in Canada during drug shortages.
- Furthermore, the prescription rate for glucagon is increasing owing to the introduction of products with easier administration procedures and longer shelf lives. For instance, as per a study published by Diabetes Care in January 2023, in the United States, glucagon prescription rates increased by 64% among patients with type 1 diabetes. On the other hand, the prescription rate increased by 43% among those treated with short-acting insulin and 25% among those with a history of severe hypoglycemia. Such studies highlight the growing demand for glucagon among the diabetic population, thus contributing to market growth.
- The market players are focusing on expanding their production capacity and geographical presence to meet the growing demand, which is projected to create growth opportunities, thereby influencing market growth in the region. For instance, Novo Nordisk A/S entered a global license and development agreement with Zealand Pharma A/S to commercialize ZEGALOGUE (dasiglucagon) glucagon injection in September 2022. The company's product is approved for treating severe hypoglycemia in pediatric and adult diabetic patients aged six and above. Furthermore, in July 2023, Xeris Biopharma Holdings Inc. shipped more than 1 million units of Gvoke since its launch in the United States. Gvoke is a ready-to-use liquid glucagon approved to treat severe hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes ages two years and above. Such strategic initiatives and milestones achieved by critical players contribute to market growth.
- Therefore, the market is anticipated to grow in North America due to the strong presence of market players and increasing approval of glucagon products.
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