The GLP-1 Drug Pipeline: What Employers Should Expect Next

April 02, 2026

GLP-1 medications have quickly become one of the most talked about topics in health care.

Doctors first prescribed these drugs to help people manage Type 2 diabetes. In recent years, they’ve also gained attention for their role in weight management. Demand has surged, and spending on GLP-1 therapies has grown dramatically over the past several years. As interest continues to rise, researchers and pharmaceutical companies are exploring new ways these medications may support a broader range of health conditions.

Although changes in GLP-1 therapies may occur gradually, ongoing research suggests these medications will continue to play an important role in health care well into the future.

For employers, this could influence how these medications fit into long-term health benefits planning.

Moving beyond weight loss

While GLP-1 medications first gained visibility for diabetes care and later for weight loss, the scientific community is now evaluating how they may benefit other areas of health connected to metabolic function. Current research is exploring GLP-1 use in conditions such as:

  • Cardiovascular health
  • Obstructive sleep apnea
  • Kidney disease
  • Liver disease
  • Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
  • Other chronic health conditions tied to weight or metabolism

This shift reflects a broader trend: GLP‑1 medications may become part of a more comprehensive chronic‑care strategy. For employers, this evolution suggests GLP‑1 demand may extend beyond weight loss and become relevant to more employees with varied health needs.

Scientists are studying how GLP-1 drugs may help address conditions tied to metabolic health. Current research includes areas such as cardiovascular health, sleep apnea, and kidney disease. Some studies also explore whether these medications could benefit people with conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

This research reflects a broader shift as manufacturers aim to gain more approvals for GLP-1 medications to further expand eligibility. Instead of viewing these medications only as treatments for diabetes or weight loss, health care providers may begin to consider them as part of a larger strategy for managing chronic health conditions.

For employers, this shift could influence how these medications fit into long-term health benefits planning.

What’s in the GLP-1 pipeline

Pharmaceutical companies continue to develop new versions of GLP-1 therapies while researchers study additional uses for these medications.

Several innovations are currently in development or have recently emerged.

Oral GLP-1 medications

Many GLP-1 treatments currently require weekly injections. Recently, a daily oral GLP-1 option was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA),2 expanding how these medications may be administered and offering another avenue for those who were previously apprehensive about injections.*

Clinical trials have shown meaningful weight loss outcomes with both oral and injectable formulations, though real-world use may vary.

Cardiovascular health

According to the FDA, overweight or obese American adults make up for 70% of the population,3 which increases the chance of serious health issues such as heart attack and stroke. GLP-1 therapies are now being used to reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events in certain populations.

With a large portion of U.S. adults affected by overweight or obesity, these therapies are being studied as part of a broader approach to managing cardiometabolic health.

Obstructive sleep apnea

GLP-1 therapies are also being explored as a treatment option for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults with obesity.4

Clinical studies have shown reduction in OSA-related events, indicating potential for use beyond traditional treatments.

Combination therapies

Maintaining muscle mass is an important consideration in weight management, which is why Excellus BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) requires a comprehensive weight management program to help maintain muscle mass.

New combination therapies are being developed to support weight loss while helping preserve muscle. These approaches are currently in clinical trials and may influence future treatment strategies.5

Next-generation medications

Drug manufacturers continue to test new GLP-1 therapies for additional conditions, including kidney disease, liver disease, heart failure and peripheral artery disease.6

Development timelines vary, and regulatory approvals take time. As research progresses, these therapies may expand the range of treatment options available to providers and patients.

What this could mean for utilization

Employees who hear about these drugs through advertisements, major news coverage, provider recommendations and personal experiences will become increasingly interested in GLP-1 medications. As more treatments become available, interest in these drugs will likely continue to rise.

For employers, this may mean an increase in the number of eligible individuals covered under the health plan to qualify for GLP-1 medications. The increased utilization of GLP-1 drugs, especially for expanded indications, could lead to a rise in prescription costs.

The pharmacy team at Excellus BCBS remains focused on these trends, designing proactive strategies and solutions, through utilization and trend monitoring and scenario modeling. Our focus remains on improving health outcomes and protecting against rising costs.

Why planning now matters

Understanding where the GLP-1 landscape may be heading can help organizations prepare for future decisions and think through areas such as:

  • Future coverage considerations
  • Prior authorization strategies
  • Population health initiatives
  • Employee communication and education

Taking time to understand these trends now can help employers approach future benefit decisions with greater clarity.

Staying informed about what comes next

GLP-1 medications have already changed the conversation around weight management and metabolic health. As research continues and new therapies move through development, these medications will likely remain part of ongoing health care decisions.

Employers who stay informed about emerging treatments and utilization trends can better evaluate how these therapies fit into a long-term health strategy.

Supporting employee health while managing evolving pharmacy trends requires thoughtful planning. Understanding what may come next is an important step.

You can also learn more about the basics of these medications in our article: What are GLP-1 Medications?

Disclaimers
*Program eligibility may vary by funding arrangement. A shared savings fee or buy-up may also be associated with the program.

  1. O’Reilly, K. (2025, August 27). Spending on GLP-1s has grown dramatically. Here are the details. American Medical Association. https://www.ama-assn.org/public-health/behavioral-health/spending-glp-1s-has-grown-dramatically-here-are-details
  2. FDA Approves Oral Semaglutide as First GLP-1 Pill for Weight Loss. (2025, December 22). American Journal of Managed Care. https://www.ajmc.com/view/fda-approves-oral-semaglutide-as-first-glp-1-pill-for-weight-loss
  3. FDA Approves First Treatment to Reduce Risk of Serios Heart Problems Specifically in Adults with Obesity or Overweight. (2024, March 8). U.S. Food & Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-treatment-reduce-risk-serious-heart-problems-specifically-adults-obesity-or
  4. FDA Approves Medication First Medication for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. (2024, December 20). U.S. Food & Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-medication-obstructive-sleep-apnea
  5. New GLP-1 Therapies Enhance Quality of Weight Loss by Improving Muscle Preservation. (2025, June 23). American Diabetes Association. https://diabetes.org/newsroom/press-releases/new-glp-1-therapies-enhance-quality-weight-loss-improving-muscle-0
  6. Francisco de Souza, H. (2025, July 22). Can one drug do it all? Reviewing the expanding clinical universe of GLP-1 agonists. News Medical. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20250722/Can-one-drug-do-it-all-Reviewing-the-expanding-clinical-universe-of-GLP-1-agonists.aspx