GLP-1 Drug Biosimilars Could Make Weight Loss and Diabetes Medications Affordable | Research

The takeaway

With GLP-1 drugs costing up to $1,418 per month, biosimilar versions of liraglutide and semaglutide are being developed worldwide to bring prices down — and early liraglutide biosimilar data looks promising.

$892–$1,418/month
Current monthly cost of GLP-1 drugs without insurance — biosimilars aim to bring this down significantly

What the researchers found

The review found that liraglutide and semaglutide are the primary GLP-1 receptor agonists being targeted for biosimilar development. Preliminary clinical comparisons of liraglutide biosimilars to the reference product (Victoza/Saxenda) have demonstrated similar clinical efficacy and safety profiles, which is encouraging for regulatory approval.

Semaglutide biosimilars and beinaglutide biosimilars are currently under active clinical investigation by pharmaceutical companies worldwide. The authors emphasize that without insurance, the monthly costs of these drugs — $1,418 for liraglutide, $892 for semaglutide, and $974 for tirzepatide — create a significant access barrier not only for diabetes and obesity patients but also for off-label uses like sleep apnea and fatty liver disease that benefit from weight loss.

Why it matters

The global demand for GLP-1 drugs has created one of the largest access crises in modern pharmaceuticals. Millions of patients who could benefit from these drugs — for diabetes, obesity, and emerging off-label uses — cannot afford or access them. Biosimilars represent the most realistic path to making these transformative medications widely available, similar to how generic statins democratized cholesterol treatment decades ago.

The numbers in context

Liraglutide $1,418/mo · Semaglutide $892/mo · Tirzepatide $974/mo (without insurance) · Multiple biosimilar trials underway globally

How the study worked

This was a narrative literature review that examined published studies and clinical trial data on GLP-1 receptor agonist biosimilar development. The authors reviewed the current pipeline of biosimilar candidates for liraglutide, semaglutide, and beinaglutide, as well as cost data and potential clinical applications.

Who was studied

Review of published literature and clinical trials (no direct patient population)

What this study cannot tell us

This is a narrative review, not a systematic review or meta-analysis. Most biosimilar data available is for liraglutide, with semaglutide biosimilars still in earlier stages of development. The review does not systematically compare all biosimilar candidates. Head-to-head trials between biosimilars and reference products are still needed for definitive conclusions. Cost figures may vary by market and change over time.

How to read the evidence

Rated 'moderate' because this is a narrative review with preliminary but encouraging biosimilar clinical data for liraglutide. Semaglutide biosimilar evidence is still emerging, and head-to-head comparative trials have not yet been completed.

When this study was published

Published in 2025 in Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism. This is a very current review capturing the latest state of the GLP-1 biosimilar pipeline, though the landscape is evolving rapidly.

The bigger picture

The GLP-1 biosimilar race is one of the biggest stories in peptide therapeutics. As patents on liraglutide have expired and semaglutide patents approach expiration, dozens of companies are rushing to market with biosimilar versions. Success here would mirror what happened with insulin biosimilars — gradually bringing down prices for a drug class that has become essential. The stakes are enormous: GLP-1 drugs are projected to be a $100+ billion market, and biosimilars could be the key to ensuring this isn't just a treatment for the wealthy.

Questions still open

How quickly will semaglutide biosimilars reach the market, and how much will they actually reduce costs for patients?
Will GLP-1 biosimilars achieve the same real-world adherence and outcomes as the branded products, given potential differences in delivery devices and formulation?
Could biosimilar availability expand the use of GLP-1 drugs for off-label conditions like sleep apnea and fatty liver disease?

Common questions

What is a biosimilar and how is it different from a generic drug?

A biosimilar is a near-copy of a biologic drug (like a peptide or protein) made by a different manufacturer after the original patent expires. Unlike simple generics of chemical drugs, biosimilars require their own clinical trials to prove they work the same way, because biologic molecules are too complex to copy exactly. They must demonstrate similar efficacy, safety, and quality to the original product.

When will cheaper versions of Ozempic and Wegovy be available?

Liraglutide biosimilars are furthest along, with some approaching regulatory approval. Semaglutide biosimilars (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy) are in clinical trials being run by multiple companies worldwide, but exact timelines depend on trial results and regulatory review. The landscape is changing rapidly.

Read the original research

An exploratory analysis of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists and biosimilars: A literature review.

Diabetes, obesity & metabolism, 27(3), 1113-1122

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Wen, Jimmy; Razick, Adam; How-Volkman, Christiane; Bernstein, Ethan; Nadora, Denise; Truong, Alina; Razick, Daniel; Akhtar, Muzammil; Karabala, Muhammad; Frezza, Eldo. (2025). An exploratory analysis of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists and biosimilars: A literature review.. Diabetes, obesity & metabolism, 27(3), 1113-1122. https://doi.org/10.1111/dom.16110