Vietnam is entering a new phase in diabetes and obesity management as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists become increasingly important within modern metabolic care. Once used primarily for type 2 diabetes, these medicines are now reshaping treatment strategies through their ability to improve blood glucose control, promote significant weight loss and reduce cardiovascular risk.
Although no standalone valuation has been published for Vietnam's GLP-1 agonists market, industry analysis estimates the sector is currently worth US$65–85 million in 2025 and is projected to reach US$140–180 million by 2030.
GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic naturally occurring gut hormones that stimulate insulin secretion, suppress glucagon production, slow gastric emptying and increase feelings of fullness. These combined effects have transformed treatment for type 2 diabetes while opening a rapidly expanding market for obesity management.
The market includes:
- Injectable GLP-1 therapies
- Oral GLP-1 medicines
- Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists
- Obesity therapies
- Combination metabolic treatments
- Digital patient support platforms
- Companion diagnostics
- Remote patient monitoring solutions
Several structural trends are driving rapid market expansion across Vietnam:
- Increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes.
- Rising obesity rates in urban populations.
- Greater awareness of cardiovascular risk reduction.
- Growing investment in chronic disease management.
- Expansion of specialist endocrinology services.
- Improved access to innovative biologic medicines.
- Increasing demand for personalised metabolic care.
According to IMARC Group, Vietnam's Diabetes Drugs Market reached US$375.0 million in 2025 and is forecast to continue expanding through 2034. The report identifies non-insulin injectable drugs, including GLP-1 receptor agonists, as an increasingly important therapeutic category, reflecting a shift towards more advanced diabetes treatments.
While diabetes remains the primary indication, obesity has become one of the strongest drivers of global demand. IMARC estimates the Global Anti-Obesity Drugs Market reached US$2.7 billion in 2025 and is forecast to grow to US$6.4 billion by 2034, supported largely by increasing uptake of GLP-1-based therapies for chronic weight management.
The global GLP-1 sector is expanding at an exceptional pace. Independent market research estimates the Global GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Market at between US$62.8 billion and US$66.4 billion in 2025, with forecasts exceeding US$185 billion over the next decade. Growth is being driven by expanding clinical indications, improved reimbursement in some markets and the introduction of next-generation dual and triple receptor agonists.
Innovation continues to reshape the market. Pharmaceutical companies are developing oral formulations, longer-acting injections and combination therapies that target multiple metabolic pathways. Clinical research is also investigating GLP-1 medicines for cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), neurodegenerative disorders and sleep apnoea, potentially broadening their use far beyond diabetes and obesity. Recent studies are also using artificial intelligence and real-world data to identify safety signals and better understand long-term treatment outcomes.
Vietnam is well positioned to benefit from these advances. Rising healthcare expenditure, expanding specialist care and increasing adoption of innovative biologic therapies are supporting wider access to modern diabetes treatments. As healthcare providers place greater emphasis on preventing cardiovascular complications and managing obesity alongside diabetes, GLP-1 therapies are expected to become an increasingly important component of clinical practice.
Leading companies active in the market include Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly, AstraZeneca, Sanofi, Boehringer Ingelheim, Pfizer, Amgen, Roche, Structure Therapeutics and Hanmi Pharmaceutical, all of which continue to invest heavily in next-generation metabolic therapies and expanded clinical indications.
As Vietnam continues to strengthen chronic disease management and improve access to innovative medicines, GLP-1 receptor agonists are expected to play a central role in the future of metabolic healthcare. For pharmaceutical manufacturers, biotechnology companies, clinical research organisations and digital health providers, Vietnam represents one of Southeast Asia's most attractive long-term growth opportunities.