GLP-1 drugs lift pharma R&D returns as blockbuster assets surge
Pharma’s return on research and development investment has risen sharply, with GLP-1 therapies for obesity and diabetes playing a significant role in driving growth, according to new data from Deloitte.
The average internal rate of return for the top 20 global biopharma companies climbed to 5.9% in 2024, up from 4.3% the previous year. This marks the highest level since 2018 and reflects a surge in high-value assets entering the pipeline.
GLP-1 drugs now account for 2% of pharma’s forecast R&D returns. Originally developed for diabetes, these treatments are seeing rapid expansion into obesity and other indications, including cardiovascular and neurological conditions.
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