Introduction
The Global Glucagon Market is anticipated to reach approximately USD 1102.2 million by 2033, growing from USD 621.3 million in 2023 with a CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period. This growth is driven by the hormone’s crucial role in managing hypoglycemia, particularly in diabetic patients. Innovations such as nasal and autoinjector glucagon kits are transforming emergency treatments by making administration easier and more effective compared to traditional methods. These advancements are expected to enhance patient compliance and broaden the application of glucagon in medical emergencies.
Glucagon plays a vital role in glucose homeostasis by promoting glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis, thus elevating blood glucose levels. Its fundamental function in treating low blood sugar conditions in diabetes underscores its importance in therapeutic applications. Current research is focused on developing more stable and aqueous glucagon formulations through innovative approaches such as amino acid substitutions and biochaperones. These efforts aim to prevent degradation and improve the hormone’s therapeutic potential, which could lead to wider clinical use and improved healthcare outcomes.
Recent market developments highlight significant strides in glucagon application for obesity and diabetes management. In June 2023, Eli Lilly announced positive phase 2 results for orforglipron, a non-peptide oral GLP-1 receptor agonist designed for chronic weight management in individuals with obesity. This positions orforglipron as a pivotal development in oral treatments for obesity, potentially transforming approaches to weight management through pharmacological interventions.
In March 2022, Xeris Pharmaceuticals launched the Gvoke® Kit, the first ready-to-use liquid glucagon in a pre-filled syringe, aimed at simplifying and expediting treatment during hypoglycemic incidents. Furthermore, September 2022 saw Novo Nordisk enhancing its glucagon offerings through a collaboration with Zealand Pharma to develop and commercialize Zegalogue, a next-generation therapy for severe hypoglycemia. These initiatives reflect ongoing commitment to innovating glucagon therapies, ensuring better patient care and expanding treatment accessibility in critical healthcare scenarios.
Key Takeaways
- The Global Glucagon Market is projected to grow from USD 621.3 million in 2023 to USD 1102.2 million by 2033, a 5.9% CAGR.
- Injectable glucagon, accounting for 43.9% of the market in 2023, is preferred for rapid emergency treatment of hypoglycemia.
- The therapeutic use segment, predominantly for severe hypoglycemia, captures over 57.3% of the market.
- New delivery innovations like nasal sprays are enhancing patient adherence and expanding market opportunities.
- Research and development, along with strategic partnerships, are pivotal in advancing glucagon formulations and uses.
- North America holds a leading 34.5% market share in 2023, supported by a strong healthcare infrastructure.
Glucagon Statistics
Efficacy and Usage
- Around 30% of severe hypoglycemia cases among diabetes patients require glucagon.
- Clinical studies confirm glucagon effectively raises blood sugar levels within 10-15 minutes of administration.
- Glucagon treatment reduces hospital admissions for severe hypoglycemia by up to 40%.
- About 5-10% of diabetic patients are prescribed glucagon kits for emergency use.
Dosage and Administration
- For hypoglycemia, 1 mg of glucagon is administered via intramuscular, subcutaneous, or intravenous routes; a 3 mg dose can be given intranasally.
- Diagnostic use in imaging recommends 2 mg intramuscularly for colon relaxation before radiologic examinations and up to 2 mg intravenously or intramuscularly for upper GI areas.
Pharmacokinetics
- Peak plasma concentrations of glucagon after subcutaneous and intramuscular administration are 3533 pg/mL and 3391 pg/mL respectively, within 10-13 minutes.
- The half-life of glucagon is about 42 minutes for subcutaneous and 26 minutes for intramuscular administration.
Prescription Trends
- The glucagon prescription fill rate increased by 64%, from 22.46 to 36.76 per 1,000 person-years.
- Only 1.21% of glucagon prescriptions were filled among commercially insured and Medicare Advantage patients.
- Type 1 diabetes patients filled 14.5% of their glucagon prescriptions.
Patient Demographics and Usage
- 41,514 patients, or 1.5% of those studied, filled at least one glucagon prescription.
- Among glucagon users, 50.1% were women and 61.5% were non-Hispanic White.
- Of the glucagon users, 3.2% had type 1 diabetes.
Incidence of Adverse Effects
- Nausea occurs in up to 35% of cases following glucagon administration.
- Less common adverse effects include hypertension and severe anaphylactic reactions.
Glucagon Levels and Biological Behavior
- Normal Levels: Adults and children typically have glucagon levels under 120 pg/ml.
- Increased Levels in Specific Conditions: In colder blood samples, glucagon levels can rise up to 215 pg/ml.
- Half-Life: Glucagon is rapidly metabolized with a half-life of 3-6 minutes.
- Impact of Kidney Dysfunction: Kidney failure can cause falsely high glucagon levels due to altered glucagon forms.
- Type II Diabetes: Patients show elevated fasting levels and impaired suppression after eating, leading to consistently high glucagon levels.
Glucagon Prescription Trends and Demographics
- Overall Fill Rate: Out of all studied patients, only 1.5% (41,514 patients) filled a glucagon prescription.
- Fill Rate Increase: The fill rate for glucagon prescriptions surged by 64%, from 22.46 to 36.76 per 1,000 person-years.
- Prescription Fill Rate: Merely 1.21% of glucagon prescriptions are filled among commercially insured and Medicare Advantage patients.
- Type 1 Diabetes Patients: About 14.5% of these patients fill their glucagon prescriptions.
- Past Hypoglycemia Hospitalizations: 4.8% of patients with prior hospitalizations for hypoglycemia filled glucagon prescriptions.
Insulin and Glucagon Usage
- Short-Acting Insulin Users: 8.7% (26,838 out of 308,281) of short-acting insulin users filled at least one glucagon prescription.
- Long-Acting Insulin Users: 2.3% (5,439 out of 235,939) of long-acting insulin users filled at least one glucagon prescription.
- Non-Insulin Users: Only 0.4% (9,237 out of 2,270,244) of non-insulin users filled at least one glucagon prescription.
Demographic Distribution of Glucagon Users
- Gender Distribution: Approximately 50.1% of glucagon users were women.
- Ethnicity: 61.5% of glucagon users were non-Hispanic White.
- Type 1 Diabetes Prevalence: 3.2% of glucagon users were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.
Emerging Trends
- Nasal and Innovative Delivery Systems: Recent advancements have introduced innovative ways to administer glucagon, notably through nasal powders and other unconventional methods, such as solutions dissolved in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). These developments significantly simplify the administration process, particularly beneficial during emergency scenarios for individuals without medical training. By making glucagon more user-friendly and less daunting, these new delivery forms are set to revolutionize the management of hypoglycemia, making crucial emergency treatments more accessible.
- Artificial Pancreas Enhancements: Significant strides in diabetes management have been achieved with the development of artificial pancreas devices. These sophisticated devices are designed not only to dispense insulin but also to administer glucagon. This dual-function capability better replicates the natural activity of a healthy pancreas. It enhances patient safety by accurately modulating blood glucose levels—raising them when necessary and lowering them when required. This innovation is poised to improve the overall quality of life for diabetes patients.
- Genetic Research and Synthetic Glucagon Production: The exploration of glucagon’s genetic origins, initially identified in anglerfish, has propelled forward the synthetic production of this hormone. This genetic insight has enabled the creation of glucagon in a more controlled and pure form, optimizing its effectiveness for medical use. Today, synthetic glucagon offers a more consistent and reliable option for treating conditions related to abnormal glucose levels, demonstrating the pivotal role of genetic research in medical advancements.
Use Cases
- Emergency Hypoglycemia Treatment: Glucagon is essential in emergency kits for addressing severe hypoglycemia, particularly in people with diabetes. This condition involves dangerously low blood sugar levels that require immediate intervention. Glucagon is available in easily usable forms such as injectable pens and nasal powders, which act quickly in urgent scenarios. This rapid action can be life-saving, making glucagon a critical component in emergency medical care for diabetics.
- Diagnostic Aid in Medical Tests: Glucagon serves as a valuable tool in medical diagnostics to evaluate pancreatic function and diagnose issues related to the gastrointestinal tract. It is particularly useful in tests that assess the liver or gallbladder, as it stimulates the secretion of bile and other digestive juices. This application of glucagon helps healthcare professionals accurately diagnose and manage various digestive and hepatic conditions.
- Regulation of Blood Glucose Levels: Apart from its emergency applications, glucagon plays a key role in the everyday regulation of glucose metabolism. It is vital for maintaining stable blood glucose levels during periods of fasting and stress, providing a counterbalance to the hypoglycemic effects of insulin. This ongoing role of glucagon ensures that the body’s metabolic processes remain stable in different physiological states, highlighting its importance beyond acute medical situations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the glucagon market is poised for substantial growth due to its critical role in managing hypoglycemia, especially in diabetic patients. The development of more user-friendly administration methods, such as nasal and autoinjector glucagon kits, is expected to enhance patient compliance and broaden the hormone’s applications in emergency medical scenarios. Moreover, ongoing innovations and strategic partnerships within the industry are likely to further drive market expansion by improving glucagon formulations and increasing its therapeutic potential. As a result, the glucagon market is set to provide significant opportunities for growth and innovation in the healthcare sector, reflecting its importance in emergency and therapeutic settings.
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