Saved To My Saved Content

GLP-1 drugs are delivering major health benefits, helping patients shed up to 20% of their body weight and reducing the risk of diabetes, heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. But as these breakthrough therapies rapidly gain ground, medtech companies are confronting a pivotal question: How will a world with fewer obesity- and diabetes-related complications reshape demand for their devices and services?

To assess the potential impact of GLP-1s on medtech, BCG surveyed 550 physicians across the specialties that are most likely to see their practices affected by these therapies. We asked clinicians to estimate how GLP-1s might influence demand for several “bellwether” medtech interventions such as glucose monitors, bariatric surgery, and in-center dialysis over the next five to ten years.

For each therapy, we pressure tested the impact of GLP-1s across the patient journey by comparing clinician responses to published literature. Our analysis suggests that while GLP-1s will drive some changes in care delivery, medtech remains well positioned, with ample opportunity for growth and innovation. Our detailed findings are available in the BCG report “The Impact of GLP-1s on the Medtech Industry: Strategies for Thriving in a Changing Market.” To request a copy of the report, please contact HC_Marketing@bcg.com.

While GLP-1s will drive some changes in care delivery, medtech remains well positioned, with ample opportunity for growth and innovation.

GLP-1s’ Projected Impact on Key Medtech Interventions

While GLP-1s will reduce the sheer number of patients coming into the funnel across the specialties we surveyed, how that will affect those fields will vary given the differential effect of GLP-1s on diagnosis, referral, interventions, and maintenance. (See the exhibit.)

The impact of GLP-1s on seven bellwether medtech interventions

For a closer look, here are our findings across seven bellwether devices and procedures:

We are just entering the GLP-1 era, and its full impact on medtech remains to be seen, especially for conditions with cardiometabolic drivers. While GLP-1 drugs may reduce demand for some devices, the overall impact on medtech companies is likely to be less disruptive than many fear. Medtech companies that stay ahead of the curve—by understanding where GLP-1s will shift patient care and adjusting their strategies accordingly—will be best positioned to lead in this new landscape.

Subscribe to our Health Care Industry E-Alert.