Towards Healthcare
Insulin Degludec Market Trends and Comapnies

Insulin Degludec Market Surges with Prefilled Pen Demand

The globe is emphasizing the reduction of hypoglycemia risk is fueling the global demand. North America’s growing type 2 DM instances fueled its dominance.

Category: Therapeutic Area Insight Code: 6356 Format: PDF / PPT / Excel

Insulin Degludec Market Size, Key Players with Insights and Growth

The insulin degludec market is on an upward trajectory, poised to generate substantial revenue growth, potentially climbing into the hundreds of millions over the forecast years from 2025 to 2034. This surge is attributed to evolving consumer preferences and technological advancements reshaping the industry.

The leading countries, like Japan, China, Australia, and the UK, are exploring innovations in diabetes management solutions by integrating novel insulin devices with smartphone apps. Moreover, the global insulin degludec market is facing a rise in type 1 & type 2 DM, which further elevates demand for easy-to-administer, convenient, and affordable insulin devices, like insulin pens. Alongside, companies are immensely involved in developing novel delivery approaches for insulin, such as inhaled, minimally invasive patches, and nano-carriers for delivery.

Key Takeaways

  • North America held a major share of 35% of the market in 2024. 
  • Asia Pacific is expected to grow fastest during the forecast period. 
  • By drug type, the branded long-acting insulin segment led with 85% revenue share of the global insulin degludec market in 2024.
  • By drug type, the generic/biosimilar long-acting insulin segment is expected to be the fastest-growing in the studied years.
  • By presentation/device format, the prefilled pens segment held 75% revenue share of the market in 2024.
  • By presentation/device format, the other delivery segment is expected to witness rapid expansion during 2025-2034.
  • By indication/therapeutic use, the type 2 diabetes mellitus segment registered dominance with a 60% share of the insulin degludec market in 2024.
  • By indication/therapeutic use, the other segment is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years.
  • By route of administration, the subcutaneous injection segment captured 95% revenue share of the market in 2024.
  • By route of administration, the alternative routes segment is expected to be the fastest-growing during the forecast period.
  • By distribution channel, the retail pharmacies segment led with 45% share of the market in 2024.
  • By distribution channel, the online pharmacies/e-commerce/DTC refill programs segment is expected to witness the fastest growth during 2025-2034.

What is Insulin Degludec?

The insulin degludec market covers all commercial activity around insulin degludec, a long-acting basal insulin analogue used to manage type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Key value drivers are clinical efficacy (stable 24+ hour basal coverage, lower hypoglycaemia risk), branded vs biosimilar pricing dynamics, device partnerships, regulatory approvals, and payer coverage; barriers include IP and regulatory hurdles for biosimilars, manufacturing complexity, and reimbursement variability across regions.

The market includes originator prescription products, biosimilar/development candidate versions, associated delivery systems (pre-filled pens, cartridges, pumps, needles), diagnostic and monitoring integrations (BGMs/CGMs that influence dosing), distribution channels (hospitals, retail pharmacies, specialty pharmacies, and direct-to-patient programs), and supporting services such as patient education and reimbursement/managed-care arrangements.

Insulin Degludec Market Outlook

  • Global Expansion: The increasing new market entries and consistent clinical research for next-generation products like once-weekly insulin icodec are fueling the market expansion.
  • Major Investors: In October 2025, 2025 is Eli Lilly plans to invest over $1 billion in India for contract manufacturing and a quality control center in Hyderabad, to expand insulin production capacity and accelerate access to diabetes treatments in the region.
  • Startup Ecosystem: In August 2025, Luna Health raised $23.6 million in a Series A funding round to establish a small, fully closed-loop insulin patch pump.
  • The worldwide leading technology companies and other medical device companies are exploring innovations in insulin devices, clinical studies, and their submissions through investment or partnership.
  • In September 2025, ViCentra, a Utrecht-based medical device company, successfully closed a €72.4 million Series D financing round to boost manufacturing and introduce the Kaleido 2 patch pump in Europe.
  • In September 2025, Modular Medical, Inc., an insulin delivery technology company, successfully completed a clinical study with the MODD1 pump. 
  • In April 2025, Medtronic, a global company in healthcare technology, expanded its Abbott CGM partnership with the FDA submission of an interoperable insulin pump.

What are the Major Technological Advances in the Insulin Degludec Market?

The globe is experiencing a huge rise in diabetic patients, which is enhancing demand for advanced therapeutic solutions, such as smart insulin pen systems. For this, Medtronic and Lilly companies have invented their solutions, like Medtronic's InPen and Lilly's Tempo platform. This enables monitoring insulin doses and integrating with CGM data via smartphone apps. Moreover, the market is leveraging sophisticated CGM approaches, like Dexcom G7 15-day sensor and the Eversense 365, which allows more accurate dosing decisions for all insulin users, with inclusion of those on degludec.

Segmental Insights

How did the Branded Long-Acting Insulin Segment Lead the Market in 2024?

In 2024, the branded long-acting insulin segment captured 85% revenue share of the global insulin degludec market. The globe is increasingly preferring long-acting insulins with their streamlined dosing and lowered hypoglycemia risk, and product advances that are providing extended duration and flexible dosing schedules. The market is stepping into the launch of biosimilars, the phase-out of some older products, and the progress of once-weekly options.

Whereas the generic/biosimilar long-acting insulin segment will expand rapidly. The rising expenses of branded insulins are accelerating demand for reduced spending biosimilars, which further expands patient accessibility and support in the reduction of economic burden on the healthcare system. The ongoing patent expirations of insulin glargine are assisting biosimilar manufacturers in entering the market with minimized expenditures. The latest solutions include Merilog (insulin aspart-szjj) is the third insulin biosimilar product approved by the FDA, as well as Eli Lilly’s Rezvoglar (insulin glargine-aglr) and Mylan/Biocon’s Semglee (insulin glargine-yfgn). 

Which Presentation/Device Format Dominated the Insulin Degludec Market in 2024?

The prefilled pens segment led with 75% revenue share of the market in 2024. The segment is driven by their ease and being more discreet to use over the conventional vials and syringes, which fosters better patient adherence to their treatment strategies. The most seen advantage is that the pen wirelessly shares data to a smartphone app, recording the dose, date, and time of each injection. Recently, Sanofi introduced SoloSmart, a data sensor that combines with its SoloStar prefilled pens to record insulin injection data in real-time.

Although the other delivery segment is anticipated to register the fastest growth. These solutions are non-invasive, as well as emphasizing lowering or eliminating the pain, inconvenience, and psychological stress of multiple daily injections. The exploration of novel delivery systems, including advanced automated insulin delivery (AID) or "artificial pancreas" systems, applies algorithms to more accurately handle blood glucose levels. Whereas inhaled insulin has been explored with comparable safety and efficacy to subcutaneous insulin in clinical trials. 

Why did the Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Segment Lead the Market in 2024?

In 2024, the type 2 diabetes mellitus segment held a 60% share of the insulin degludec market. The major drivers are the involvement of ultra-long-acting profile, reduced risk of hypoglycemia, and enhanced glycemic control, especially over fasting plasma glucose (FPG). The key players are boosting the use of nanoparticle delivery systems, like liposomes, that are increasing the oral absorption of insulin. According to NCBI, it is estimated that to rise to 643 million (11.3%) by 2030 and to 783 million (12.2%) by 2045 of diabetic patients, mainly type 2 DM.

Moreover, the other segment will expand at a rapid CAGR. This mainly comprises pregnant women due to a lack of long-term randomized clinical trials. In the last few years, the French consensus has updated their based on real-world data, which has accelerated recommendations for the AID system employed in children, particularly in very young children. Recently, in 2025, a study presented that off-label use of semaglutide and tirzepatide led to major reductions in HbA1c and body weight in this population.

How did the Subcutaneous Injection Segment Dominate the Market in 2024?

The subcutaneous injection segment led with 95% revenue share of the insulin degludec market in 2024. A rise in patient preference for self-administered, user-friendly devices, such as pre-filled pens, is facilitating dose accuracy and ease of use, improving compliance. Recent approaches include dissolving microneedle patches that are made up of water-soluble or biodegradable materials that contain insulin, further enabling simple, painless self-administration. The exploration of automated insulin delivery (AID) systems has evolved into hybrid and advanced hybrid closed-loop (HCL and AHCL) systems.

However, the alternative routes segment is predicted to witness rapid expansion. This primarily encompasses the oral route in capsule formulation with absorption enhancers or enzyme inhibitors and minimally invasive patches, which utilize microneedle technology, including smart glucose-responsive patches. The incorporation of "poke and swell," which is derived from Hydrogel-forming microneedles by using a polymer to absorb interstitial fluid and swell, with more sustained and controlled insulin release. Other solutions consist of nano-carriers, hybrid systems, etc.

Which Distribution Channel Led the Insulin Degludec Market in 2024?

By capturing a 45% share, the retail pharmacies segment registered dominance in the market in 2024. The wider presence and feasible accessibility for patients to pick up prescriptions for insulin degludec and related supplies are impacting the overall expansion. Alongside the growing instances of diabetes, and ongoing breakthroughs in delivery systems like long-acting pens are also escalating the demand from retail pharmacies.

Whereas the online pharmacies/e-commerce/DTC refill programs segment is anticipated to expand rapidly. Involvement of Netmeds, Apollo Pharmacy, and PharmEasy in India sells insulin degludec like any other prescription drug and also provides convenience, competitive pricing, and at-home delivery. Additionally, certain pharmaceutical companies, such as Novo Nordisk (the original manufacturer of Tresiba), are facilitating patient assistance or savings programs. Recently developed RefillGenie is a telehealth platform is works with licensed healthcare professionals to process refills for existing medications, particularly insulin, and send the prescription to a pharmacy.

Regional Insights

Insulin Degludec Market Share, By Region, 2024 (%)

What Made North America Dominant in the Insulin Degludec Market in 2024?

In 2024, North America’s market held a 35% revenue share, due to the increasing Type 2 DM and the presence of advanced healthcare infrastructure. The leading companies are increasingly investing in R&D for new insulin formulations and delivery systems, including smart pens and continuous glucose monitors. Besides, they are leveraging novel smart insulin pens with Bluetooth, the launch of inexpensive generic and biosimilar insulins, and robust research into new "smart insulin" for automated regulation of blood glucose and reducing hypoglycemia. As per NIH, the cases of diabetes (type 2 diabetes and type 1 diabetes) will rise by 54% to more than 54.9 million Americans between 2015 and 2030.

Enhancement in Price Reduction Approaches: U.S. Market Analysis

The US is experiencing a major growth in the market due to the rising emphasis on price reductions by leading producers, along with the approval of various biosimilars to accelerate competition, and the development of new technologies, like "smart insulin". Recently, the FDA has approved Insulet Omnipod 5 for adults with Type 2 diabetes; this is the foremost AID system indicated for both Type 1 and Type 2. In the US, it is projected that 39.7 million adults will be diabetes affected by 2030 and 60.6 million by 2060.

Raised Focus on Integrated Management: Canadian Market Analysis

Canada’s insulin degludec market is also impacting the overall expansion, with expanded emphasis on integrated diabetes management. Primarily, diverse healthcare sectors are fostering partnerships among pharmaceutical companies and medical device manufacturers to develop comprehensive platforms. This enables the combination of insulin therapy with continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and mobile health apps.

For instance,

  • In June 2024, Novo Nordisk announced that Canada was the first country worldwide to launch Awiqli (insulin icodec injection), which will be available across the country.

Involvement of Leading Countries is Driving the Asia Pacific

In the prospective period, the Asia Pacific is estimated to register rapid expansion in the insulin degludec market. China and India are facing significant growth in diabetic patients, as well as the rise in involvement of major countries like Australia and Japan is propelling the ASAP market growth. These countries are widely adopting insulin analogs, and the presence of advanced healthcare systems is ensuring patient access. Alongside, vital companies, such as Health2Sync and Sanofi in Taiwan, are boosting their alliance for insulin management approaches, and Eris Lifesciences and MJ Biopharm in India for marketing human and analogue insulins.

A Surge in Technological Advances & Clinical Studies: Japan Market Analysis

Day by day, Japan is greatly exploring its advances in delivery devices, specifically smart pens and wearable pumps, which enhance patient convenience and adherence to treatment. Additionally, Japan has provided the TIDE-J study, which is the first and only comprehensive, multi-center cohort study for type 1 diabetes. This study has offered insights into the speed of beta-cell depletion and its predictors, probably resulting in earlier interventions. 

Expanding Awareness and Initiatives: China Market Analysis

The insulin degludec market in China is putting efforts to accelerate awareness regarding diabetes and the significance of management, which further bolsters diagnosis and treatment. Besides this, the Chinese government is leveraging the wider access to high-quality diabetes care in underserved areas through the increased reimbursement for therapies and the progress of Metabolic Management Centers in hospitals.

For instance,

  • In December 2024, Sanofi made its largest-ever investment in China, committing €1 billion ($1.04 billion) for the development of a new insulin production facility in the Beijing Economic and Technological Development Zone. 

Acceleration in Biosimilar Competition is Driving Europe

Europe is experiencing a notable growth in the insulin degludec market. Europe is bolstering biosimilar competition, where many companies are introducing biosimilar insulins for products, mainly insulin glargine (Abasaglar and Semglee). Eventually, they are putting efforts into lowering prices in many European countries, though price diversity persists across the region. Along with this, several key players are establishing integrated systems, such as the Abbott and Sanofi collaboration on tools that integrate Freestyle Libre CGM data with Sanofi's insulin dosing information. 

Ongoing Research Activities in Smart Insulin: UK Market Analysis

The UK’s market, with its significant expansion, is acquiring funds for transforming a novel molecule that integrates insulin and glucagon. This "smart" insulin supports in mitigating dangerously low blood glucose levels (hypoglycaemia) with the automation in adjusting the insulin dose in response to blood sugar changes. Some researchers are emphasizing a needle-free oral insulin tablet that employs "nanocarriers" to deliver insulin directly to the liver.

For instance,

  • In September 2025, Arecor Therapeutics plc, a biopharmaceutical company, signed a co-development agreement with Sequel Med Tech LLC to combine AT278 (500U/mL) with Sequel’s twiist Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) system, led by Tidepool.

Insulin Degludec Market: Value Chain Analysis

R&D

The market is mainly focusing on modifying human insulin to develop an ultra-long-acting analog with a unique protraction mechanism.

Key Players: Sanofi, Eli Lilly, Gan & Lee Pharmaceuticals, etc.

Clinical Trials & Regulatory Approval

A major contribution of early investigations into the drug's properties to large-scale, long-term comparisons against existing basal insulins supports the various phases of trials for identifying efficacy, potency, and safety.

Key Players: Wockhardt, MannKind Corporation, University of Hull, US FDA, EMA, etc.

Patient Support and Services

The latest services include Tresiba Savings Offer, NovoCare Patient Assistance Program (PAP), Immediate Supply Program, and other educational programs.

Key Players: Novo Nordisk, Novocare, etc.

Key Companies and Their contributions and offerings

  • Novo Nordisk- In 2025, it announced that Ryzodeg will be available in a reusable Penfill cartridge system, shifting away from the disposable FlexTouch pens and reducing waste.
  • Sanofi- In mid-2025, Sanofi India partnered with Emcure Pharmaceuticals to boost the reach of its oral anti-diabetic products, like Amaryl and Cetapin.
  • Eli Lilly and Company- In 2025, it invented efsitora alfa, a once-weekly basal insulin.
  • Biocon Biologics- In July 2025, it received U.S. FDA approval for Kirsty (insulin aspart), the first and only interchangeable biosimilar to NovoLog in the US.

Top Companies in the Market

  • Viatris
  • Sandoz (Novartis)
  • Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories
  • Wockhardt
  • Intas Pharmaceuticals
  • Lupin Limited
  • Sun Pharmaceutical Industries
  • Zydus Cadila
  • Cipla
  • Glenmark Pharmaceuticals
  • Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD)
  • Ypsomed AG
  • Owen Mumford Ltd.
  • Medtronic plc
  • Roche Diagnostics
  • Abbott Laboratories

What are the Recent Developments in the Insulin Degludec Market?

  • In August 2025, Trividia Health unveiled its new TRUEplus five-bevel insulin pen needle line in the UK.
  • In July 2025, Health2Sync, Asia’s leading digital chronic disease management platform, successfully integrated Smart Cap Mallya for FlexTouch Insulin Pens data into SugarGenie, its Korean-market diabetes management app.
  • In September 2025, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., the world player in serving science, launched the Gibco Efficient-Pro Medium (+) Insulin, a next-generation medium developed to accelerate titers to maximize productivity and boost the performance of insulin-dependent CHO cell lines.

Segments Covered in the Report

By Drug Type

  • Branded Long-Acting Insulin
  • Branded Premium
  • Branded Tender/Hospital Contract Formulations
  • Generic/Biosimilar Long-Acting Insulin
  • Biosimilar Insulin Degludec
  • Non-biosimilar Generic Basal Insulins positioned as degludec alternatives

By Presentation/Device Format

  • Prefilled Pens
  • Disposable Prefilled Pens
  • Reusable Pen + Replaceable Cartridges
  • Vials
  • Insulin Pumps/Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion (CSII) Compatible Formulations
  • Other Delivery (Inhaled/Novel Delivery) 

By Indication/Therapeutic Use

  • Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
  • Basal therapy initiation in T2DM
  • Basal optimization/combination with GLP-1 RA/oral agents
  • Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
  • Other (Off-label / Special Populations)

By Route of Administration

  • Subcutaneous Injection
  • Prefilled Pen Subcutaneous
  • Syringe + Vial Subcutaneous
  • Alternative Routes

By Distribution Channel

  • Retail Pharmacies
  • Hospital Pharmacies/Tender Contracts
  • Online Pharmacies/E-commerce/DTC Refill Programs
  • Specialty Distributors/Home-delivery Programs

By Region

  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • Japan
    • India
    • South Korea
    • Thailand
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • UK
    • France
    • Italy
    • Spain
    • Sweden
    • Denmark
    • Norway
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Mexico
    • Argentina
  • Middle East and Africa (MEA)
    • South Africa
    • UAE
    • Saudi Arabia
    • Kuwait

Tags

  • Last Updated: 24 October 2025
  • Report Covered: [Revenue + Volume]
  • Historical Year: 2021-2023
  • Base Year: 2024
  • Estimated Years: 2025-2034

Meet the Team

Rohan Patil is a seasoned market research professional with over 5+ years of focused experience in the healthcare sector, bringing deep domain expertise, strategic foresight, and analytical precision to every project he undertakes.

Learn more about Rohan Patil

Aditi Shivarkar is a seasoned professional with over 14 years of experience in healthcare market research. As a content reviewer, Aditi plays a critical role in ensuring the quality and accuracy of all market insights and data presented by the research team.

Learn more about Aditi Shivarkar

Related Reports

FAQ's

The insulin degludec market is expected to see remarkable revenue growth from 2025 to 2034 due to industry innovation and consumer evolution

North America is currently leading the insulin degludec market share by 35% due to the rising cases of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The insulin degludec market includes 6 segments such as by drug type, by presentation device format, by indication therapeutic use, by route of administration, by distribution channel, and by region.

Key trends include the rising demand for biosimilar versions, growth in digital management programs, and innovations in delivery systems.

An experimental drug created to automatically activate and deactivate based on blood sugar levels, mimicking the function of a healthy pancreas.

US FDA, NIH, CDC, ClinicalTrial.gov, MedlinePlus.gov, DRUGBANK, GOV.UK, EMA.