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GLP-1s

GLP-1/GIP Trends to Expect: Additional Indications, Improved Access, and More

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmDFarah Naz Khan, MD
Written by Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD | Reviewed by Farah Naz Khan, MD
Published on April 15, 2026

Key takeaways:

  • Incretin mimetics like glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonists are expected to continue expanding into new FDA-approved indications. A few expected uses include peripheral artery disease, chronic kidney disease, and certain types of heart failure.

  • New injectable GLP-1/GIPs are advancing through clinical trials. CagriSema (cagrilintide / semaglutide) is the furthest along, with an FDA response expected sometime in 2026.

  • Oral GLP-1s are now a reality. The Wegovy pill launched in January 2026. Foundayo (orforglipron), a non-peptide GLP-1, was approved on April 1.

  • Direct-to-consumer access to incretin mimetics continues to grow, reshaping how people start and pay for treatment. For example, GoodRx discounts can help people save on their GLP-1 prescription.

Originally developed for Type 2 diabetes, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonists have transformed the weight-loss medication market. And in recent years, the popularity of these incretin mimetics has soared due to their effectiveness and versatility.

As we look ahead for the rest of 2026, several key trends are set to redefine the incretin mimetic landscape — from broadening applications to expanded access. Here’s a closer look at what to expect.

1. Expanded uses

In 2026, GLP-1/GIPs are no longer viewed solely as diabetes or weight-loss medications. They’re increasingly positioned as versatile therapies with several benefits and indications, including cardiovascular health, MASH (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis), and prevention of end-stage kidney disease for people with CKD.

Incretin mimetics could gain approval for new indications in 2026, including:

  • Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF): Wegovy has significant potential for HFpEF among people with obesity, according to the STEP-HFpEF trial. Wegovy is currently under FDA review for HFpEF treatment.

  • Peripheral artery disease (PAD): Ozempic is under FDA review for PAD. This is based on research (including the STRIDE trial) demonstrating improvements in functional outcomes, symptoms, and quality of life in people with symptomatic PAD and Type 2 diabetes.

Phase 3 trials investigating these medications as treatments for polycystic ovary syndrome and substance use disorders are underway.

2. New injectable incretin mimetics

Several promising injectable therapies are in development, with the potential to deliver even better results. 

For weight loss, CagriSema is the furthest along with approval pending in 2026. CagriSema combines semaglutide with amylin analog cagrilintide. In clinical trials, people in the CagriSema group lost about 20% of their starting body weight at 68 weeks (about 16 months). Those who stayed on the medication the entire trial lost about 23%. A head-to-head trial comparing CagriSema to tirzepatide, the current leader in weight-loss effectiveness, is expected to wrap up in 2026.

CagriSema is also being studied for weight loss among people with Type 2 diabetes and for cardiovascular benefits among people with heart disease.

Other promising injectable medications advancing through clinical trials include:

3. Oral options

Of course, not everyone is comfortable with injections, which makes oral GLP-1 medications an appealing alternative. After launching in January 2026, the Wegovy pill quickly gained attention as a needle-free option for weight loss.

Initially, oral semaglutide — sold under the brand names Wegovy and Rybelsus — was the only GLP-1 receptor agonist available in oral form. But another GLP-1 pill, Foundayo (orforglipron), was approved in early April 2026.

Unlike peptide-based GLP-1s, orforglipron is a small molecule medication. This allows for oral formulation, but can make it easier and less expensive to produce.

During clinical trials, people taking the highest orforglipron dose (36 mg) lost about 12% of their starting body weight at 72 weeks (about 17 months). Another trial showed that orforglipron helped people maintain weight loss after treatment with injectable Wegovy or Zepbound.

4. Direct-to-consumer access

Direct-to-consumer (DTC) models have become one of the biggest access trends for GLP-1/GIP medications. In 2026, many people are starting or managing incretin mimetic therapy outside traditional in-person visits and retail pharmacies.

Several manufacturers now offer DTC pharmacy programs that can simplify access and, in some cases, lower out-of-pocket costs. For example, NovoCare Pharmacy and LillyDirect allow eligible people to receive their medication shipped directly to their home. These programs often use manufacturer-sponsored discounts and cash-pay pricing that bypass traditional insurance hurdles.

Telehealth platforms, such as GoodRx for Weight Loss, have also expanded GLP-1/GIP access by offering virtual evaluations, prescriptions, and ongoing support. These options can improve convenience and speed, and may provide similar manufacturer cash-pay pricing, giving people more ways to start and maintain treatment.

GoodRx coupons can also help people save on their GLP-1/GIP prescription. Here’s how it works:

  • They pay an introductory price for the first two fills: $199 per month for Ozempic or Wegovy injections, or $149 for the Wegovy pill (only available for certain doses).

  • After that, most ongoing fills are $299 or $349 per month, depending on the medication and dose.

5. Insurance coverage changes

In 2026, insurance coverage for GLP-1/GIP medications is increasingly splitting in two directions. Many plans continue to cover GLP-1/GIPs for Type 2 diabetes and certain cardiovascular uses. But coverage for weight loss alone is tightening.

  • Commercial and employer plans: Most individual and employer-sponsored plans treat weight loss as optional and either exclude it or apply strict eligibility rules. Some insurers, including certain Blue Cross plans, are dropping or scaling back coverage for medications like Wegovy, Saxenda, and Zepbound for weight loss.

  • Medicare and Medicaid: Medicare and Medicaid are testing a new voluntary program to make these medications easier to get, while keeping costs in check. The program will roll out first in Medicaid and later in Medicare drug plans, with an earlier temporary Medicare effort planned.

  • Cost, access, and DTC options: Insurance coverage for weight loss remains limited and uneven. And as mentioned above, many people are turning to cash-pay and DTC options as a result. These options may offer discounted pricing. But they aren't insurance benefits, and long-term affordability remains a challenge. Victoza (lirgalutide) is available as a generic now and thus more affordable.

Incretin mimetics refresher

GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic the incretin hormone GLP-1, improving glycemic control. They also facilitate weight reduction by decreasing the appetite and delaying gastric emptying. Tirzepatide also targets glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) in addition to GLP-1, leading to added benefits in glycemic control and weight management.

Most of these medications are injectables. Three oral options are available: Rybelsus (semaglutide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Foundayo (orforglipron). The FDA-approved GLP-1 medications are listed in the table below.

Active ingredient

Brand name(s) for Type 2 diabetes

Brand name for weight loss

Semaglutide

Ozempic, Rybelsus

Wegovy (pen and pill)

Tirzepatide*

Mounjaro

Zepbound

Liraglutide

Victoza

Saxenda

Dulaglutide

Trulicity

N/A

Exenatide

Byetta, Bydureon BCise (brand names no longer available)

N/A

Orforglipron

N/A

Foundayo

*GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist

The bottom line

In 2026, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonists will continue to reshape the treatment landscape for Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and beyond. Expanded uses, new injections and oral options, and direct-to-consumer access are a few trends to watch. Also, newer compounds that target additional hormone receptors are closer to approval.

The future of insurance coverage for incretin mimetics presents a complex picture. Some insurers are limiting or dropping coverage for weight loss. But there are also efforts to expand access through Medicare and Medicaid. And a growing list of indications could also broaden coverage.

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Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD
Written by:
Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD
Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD, is the director of pharmacy content for GoodRx. She has over a decade of experience as a pharmacist and has worked in clinical, academic, and administrative roles.
Mandy Armitage, MD
Edited by:
Mandy Armitage, MD
Mandy Armitage, MD, has combined clinical medicine with her passion for education and content development for many years. She served as medical director for the health technology companies HealthLoop (now Get Well) and Doximity.
Farah Naz Khan, MD
Reviewed by:
Farah Naz Khan, MD
Farah Naz Khan, MD, is a board-certified physician at the UW Medicine Diabetes Institute and a clinical assistant professor of metabolism, endocrinology, and nutrition at the University of Washington.
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References

Arcuri, L. (2026). GLP-1 drugs and the physiology of metabolic health. The Physiologist Magazine.

Bays, H. E., et al. (2026). Weekly subcutaneous VK2735, a GIP/GLP-1 receptor dual agonist, for weight management: phase 2, randomized, 13-week VENTURE study. Obesity.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

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