Glucagon Market By Product Type (Injectable Glucagon, Nasal Glucagon) , By Application (Hypoglycemia, Diagnostic Aid) By Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies, Online Pharmacies) : Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024-2033
The glucagon market was valued at $0.3 billion in 2023, and is projected to reach $0.6 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 6.4% from 2024 to 2033.
Glucagon is a peptide hormone produced by the alpha cells of the pancreas. It plays a critical role in glucose metabolism by increasing blood glucose levels when they drop too low, thus maintaining energy balance in the body. This hormone primarily acts on the liver, promoting glycogen breakdown (glycogenolysis) and stimulating the production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources (gluconeogenesis). Glucagon works in opposition to insulin, which lowers blood glucose levels.
Alarming rise in global incidence of diabetes, particularly Type 1 diabetes, drives the demand for glucagon as it is a critical treatment for managing severe hypoglycemia. The International Diabetes Federation (2023) estimates that over 540 million adults live with diabetes globally, highlighting the importance of glucagon therapy. In addition, educational initiatives by healthcare organizations about hypoglycemia management have increased the adoption of glucagon products, particularly among diabetic patients at high risk for severe hypoglycemic episodes. Moreover, surge in geriatric population acts as the key driving force of the global market. With the aging global population, there is a growing number of individuals at risk for diabetes and related complications, driving the demand for glucagon products. A 2024 study published by the World Health Organization revealed that the number of aged individuals will increase from 1 billion in 2020 to 1.4 billion by 2030. Moreover, the number of individuals aging 80 years and older is estimated to reach 426 million by 2050. Furthermore, beyond its use in hypoglycemia, glucagon is increasingly employed in diagnostic imaging procedures (e.g., radiology and endoscopy) to relax the gastrointestinal tract, broadening its market scope. However, high cost of glucagon therapies, especially for newer formulations such as nasal glucagon, can be a significant barrier to access for patients, particularly in low-income regions or for those without sufficient healthcare coverage. The use of glucagon, especially in emergency settings, typically requires guidance from healthcare professionals for proper administration, which can further limit its use in situations where immediate access to medical help is unavailable. On the contrary, innovations such as prefilled syringes, auto-injectors, and nasal glucagon formulations enhance the ease of administration, making glucagon therapy more accessible and user-friendly for patients and caregivers. Such developments are anticipated to open new avenues for the expansion of the global market during the forecast period.
The global glucagon industry is segmented into type, application, distribution channel, and region. On the basis of type, the market is categorized into injectable glucagon and nasal glucagon. As per application, it is segregated into hypoglycemia and diagnostic aid. Depending on distribution channel, it is fragmented into hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, and online pharmacies. Region wise, it is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.
Key FindingsBy type, the injectable glucagon segment is expected to dominate the market from 2024 to 2033.On the basis of application, the hypoglycemia segment is anticipated to exhibit the growth of the global market during the forecast period.
Depending on distribution channel, the hospital pharmacies segment is projected to grow at a notable pace throughout the forecast period.
Region wise, the glucagon market is likely to show strong growth in North America.
Competition AnalysisThe major players operating in the global glucagon market include Novo Nordisk A/S, Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA, Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Xeris Biopharma Holdings, Inc., ILS Inc, United Biotech (P) Limited, Zealand Pharma A/S, Taj Pharmaceuticals Limited, Eli Lilly and Company, and Pfizer Inc. These major players have adopted various key development strategies such as business expansion, new product launches, and partnerships to sustain the intense competition and gain a strong foothold in the global market.
Key Market SegmentsBy Product TypeInjectable Glucagon
Nasal Glucagon
By ApplicationHypoglycemia
Diagnostic Aid
By Distribution ChannelHospital Pharmacies
Retail Pharmacies
Online Pharmacies
By RegionNorth America
U.S.
Canada
Mexico
Europe
France
Germany
Italy
Spain
UK
Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific
China
Japan
India
South Korea
Australia
Rest of Asia-Pacific
LAMEA
Brazil
South Africa
Saudi Arabia
Rest of LAMEA
Key Market PlayersNovo Nordisk A/S
Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Xeris Biopharma Holdings, Inc.
ILS Inc
United Biotech (P) Limited
Zealand Pharma A/S
Taj Pharmaceuticals Limited
Eli Lilly and Company.
Pfizer Inc.