The Future of GLP-1 Receptor Drugs: Oral GLP-1 and New Trends by 2028

The landscape of GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) receptor agonists is evolving at a breakneck pace. Originally developed for Type 2 diabetes, these drugs have reshaped metabolic medicine and are now at the forefront of obesity, cardiometabolic, and broader therapeutic research. Over the next two years (2026–2028), we expect dramatic innovation that will redefine how we treat metabolic health.

New Drug Modalities & Approvals

Oral GLP-1 Receptor Drugs Future— Game Changers for Accessibility

✔ Orforglipron — a novel non-peptide oral GLP-1 agonist expected to receive regulatory approval in 2026. Unlike peptide-based drugs requiring special absorption enhancers, orforglipron may be taken with or without food, boosting convenience and adherence.

✔ Other oral formulations — including additional small molecules in clinical pipelines are accelerating, potentially reshaping the drug class beyond injectables.

Why this matters: Oral drugs can greatly expand the population willing to initiate treatment and reduce barriers related to injections and cold-chain distribution.

A novel non-peptide oral GLP-1 agonist is expected to receive regulatory approval in 2026.

Next-Generation Combinations Beyond GLP-1

The pipeline of GLP-1 receptor drugs' future is moving from single-target drugs to multi-receptor agonists, which may deliver superior metabolic outcomes:

• GLP-1/GIP dual agonists — Like tirzepatide (Mounjaro) — are already leading in weight loss and glycemic control.

• GLP-1/Amylin combinations — e.g., CagriSema (semaglutide + cagrilintide), designed to amplify weight-loss effects.

• Triple agonists — such as Retatrutide, engage GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon (opposite action to Insulin) pathways to maximise fat loss and metabolic health. Phase 3 data show up to ~25-30% weight reduction, unprecedented in obesity therapy.

What’s coming in 2027–2028: Regulatory filings for some of these multi-agonist therapies could begin in this window, potentially launching entirely new subcategories of metabolic drugs.

Market Expansion & Competitive Dynamics

Broader Indications

GLP-1 drugs are expanding beyond diabetes and obesity into:

• Cardiovascular risk reduction

• Liver disease (e.g., metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease)

• Potential renal and neuroprotective uses

This expansion could substantially enlarge the patient base and drive market growth.

Innovative Business & Access Models

The rise of direct-to-consumer (DTC) pharmacy services and telehealth has changed how patients access GLP-1 therapies. Some programs deliver medications directly, bypassing traditional prescriptions and insurers, making treatment easier but also raising coverage questions.

Bypassing traditional prescriptions and insurers will make treatment easier,

Pricing, Patents & Global Access

The GLP-1 class has become one of the most commercially important drug categories. However:

• Patent expirations on key semaglutide drugs could open the door to biosimilars and generics in some markets by the late 2020s.

• Competition from affordable alternatives — including compounding and lower-cost telehealth options — is already influencing pricing and market shares.

Implication for patients: Broader access and more competitive pricing structures may arrive sooner than expected — but coverage remains complex, especially for weight-loss indications.

The Next Frontier of Metabolic Therapies

Beyond GLP-1: Multi-Pathway Targets

Researchers are exploring even more complex designs — including:

• Quadruple agonists (targeting GLP-1, GIP, glucagon, and IGF-1 pathways) are still in the early stage, but a potential leap in efficacy.

• AI-driven peptide discovery to optimise efficacy and safety of new metabolic drugs.

These disruptive innovations could shape the post-2028 landscape, setting up an era of precision metabolic pharmacology.

Trends You Should Watch in 2026–2028

Trend	What to Expect
Oral GLP-1 drugs launch	More patient-friendly alternatives reduce injection barriers.
Multi-agonist therapies	Greater weight loss and metabolic control.
Expanded indications	From cardiometabolic benefits to potential liver & renal applications.
Pricing shifts & biosimilars	Patent expirations + compounding alternatives reshape the economics.
Access innovation	Telehealth & DTC channels grow fast.

Final Thoughts

In the next two years, the GLP-1 drug class will transition from first-generation injectable therapies toward a diversified, highly innovative portfolio featuring oral options, multi-receptor agonists, and expanded uses across metabolic diseases. Growth will be shaped not only by science but also by access models, pricing dynamics, and global regulatory shifts.