How GLP-1 Drugs are Affecting the Medical Device Landscape

The rise of GLP-1 drugs has sparked a healthcare revolution, promising weight loss and improved glucose control with just a single injection. But what does this mean for medical devices that once dominated these treatment spaces?

What are GLP-1’s? 

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drugs are a new class of treatments originally designed to improve blood sugar control in individuals with type 2 diabetes by mimicking the natural GLP-1 hormone. This hormone prompts the body to produce insulin in response to rising blood sugar levels and prevents the release of glucagon which stops the release of glucose from the liver. Recently, GLP-1 drugs have also been approved for weight loss, as they help suppress appetite and slow digestion, leading to a surge in prescriptions for individuals struggling with obesity. With type 2 diabetes becoming more manageable and significant weight loss achievable through medication, GLP-1 drugs are poised to transform the landscape for medical devices used in treating diabetes, obesity, and related health conditions.

How will GLP-1 Drugs Affect Medical Device Landscape?

In 2022, obesity contributed to higher incidence and mortality rates for 8 of the 10 leading causes of death in the U.S., including heart disease, cancer, COVID-19, stroke, chronic lower respiratory diseases, diabetes, kidney disease, and chronic liver disease (CDC, 2022). With the rising popularity of GLP-1 drugs, however, the prevalence of these conditions may significantly decrease, potentially shrinking the market for related medical devices. On the other hand, as obesity rates fall, more patients may become eligible for life-saving procedures and live longer, introducing new opportunities for the medical device industry. 

Market Challenges and the Shift Toward Non-Invasive Monitoring

As the incidence of type 2 diabetes continues to decrease, the demand for continuous glucose monitors and insulin pumps—a traditionally lucrative segment of the medical device industry—will likely decline. This shift towards pharmacological treatments, particularly with the rise of GLP-1 drugs, could profoundly impact market leaders who have long relied on diabetes management devices as their primary industry. With a reduced patient pool consisting of individuals with type 1 diabetes—who make up only 5-10% of all diagnosed diabetes cases—the market dynamics for these devices may face a significant transformation, challenging the long-established dominance of these companies. Looking ahead, the future of diabetes management will increasingly focus on non-invasive monitoring devices, reflecting a broader trend in the medical device industry where remote monitoring is becoming the standard of care.

Examining the diabetes market is just the tip of the iceberg. While diabetes is directly impacted by the GLP-1 boom, what about the other conditions that will see a reduction as obesity rates continue to decline?

Case Study: Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a disorder that causes affected individuals to repeatedly stop breathing during sleep due to the muscles in the throat relaxing and narrowing the airway which puts strain on the heart and leads to chronic fatigue. An estimated 30-39 million Americans are affected by sleep apnea, making it one of the most prevalent medical conditions in the country (National Council on Aging, n.d.). Obesity is a key risk factor for sleep apnea, making it a disorder that could potentially be alleviated by the weight loss effects of GLP-1 drugs. 

Current Treatments and Emerging Impacts of GLP-1 Drugs on Sleep Apnea Management

Common treatment options for sleep apnea include using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine or undergoing surgery to remove tonsils, adenoids, or nasal polyps that may obstruct the airway during sleep. Additionally, alternative treatments that stimulate the muscles in the tongue and throat to help keep the airway clear are available, including implants or external stimulators. Looking ahead, the GLP-1 boom is expected to decrease the incidence of sleep apnea through weight loss, while also allowing more patients to qualify for procedures to treat the condition. Critically obese patients are often not approved for non-life-saving surgery due to the risks associated with anesthesia, but with reduced weight, they may become candidates for these treatments. While the market value of sleep apnea treatment devices is not likely to shift significantly as the condition cannot be cured solely by losing weight, the treatment type may shift towards implantables rather than CPAPs as more of the patient pool becomes eligible for surgery.  

Case Study: Orthopedics 

Orthopedic issues, particularly degenerative joint conditions like osteoarthritis, are prevalent in individuals with obesity and often lead to joint replacement surgeries. Conditions such as hip and knee osteoarthritis are strongly linked to excess body weight, as the added stress on joints accelerates wear and tear. In the U.S., an estimated 54 million adults have arthritis, and nearly half of these individuals report activity limitations due to joint pain or mobility issues, with obesity being a key risk factor (CDC, 2024). But, the rise of GLP-1 drugs offers new hope for those who struggle with obesity-related joint issues. With more people achieving significant weight loss through these drugs, the pressure on load-bearing joints like the knees and hips may decrease, potentially slowing the progression of arthritis. For the orthopedic industry, this could mean a decreased demand for certain types of joint replacement surgeries in the long term, as fewer patients may reach the point where surgical intervention is necessary. Additionally, earlier weight management could reduce the severity of joint damage in younger patients, pushing back the age at which they may require surgery.

Shifting Demand for Joint Replacements and Expanding Surgical Eligibility

On the other hand, there’s also potential for an expanded market. As more people achieve a healthier weight, patients who were previously high-risk for surgery due to obesity-related complications may now qualify as candidates for joint replacements. Traditionally, obesity increases the risks associated with joint replacement surgeries, including complications with anesthesia, higher infection rates, and longer recovery times. As patients reach healthier weights through GLP-1-supported weight loss, orthopedic surgeons may have a broader pool of candidates eligible for these life-improving procedures. This shift could lead to increased demand for joint replacement surgeries among once ineligible patients, creating new growth opportunities for orthopedic device companies. Innovations in implant design and minimally invasive procedures, which reduce recovery times and further lower surgical risks, will be essential as this new demographic of patients becomes eligible for joint replacement options.

Conclusion: 

GLP-1s are making significant strides in the pharmaceutical world, and there’s little doubt they will enhance the quality of life for many patients, particularly those battling obesity and type 2 diabetes. However, as these drugs continue to rise in popularity, they also raise an important question: How will their widespread use impact the existing technologies that aim to treat common diseases and disorders? 

Adapting to the GLP-1 Revolution in Healthcare

At Nextern, we are excited to see how these innovations will shape the future of healthcare, particularly in driving the industry toward more non-invasive monitoring and treatment solutions. As a contract development and manufacturing firm with deep expertise in these areas, we’re committed to staying ahead of the curve. The changes GLP-1s are introducing to the medical device landscape present both challenges and opportunities, and we’re prepared to adapt and collaborate with our partners to develop the next generation of medical devices that can complement these advancements.

We look forward to seeing how this evolving landscape will open new possibilities for improving patient care, and we are enthusiastic about the role we will play in shaping that future. 

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