What companies make GLP-1 drugs?

Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk are the two top companies in the current GLP-1 space. However, others, such as Viking Therapeutics, are developing GLP-1 candidates.

Who is the market leader for GLP-1 drugs?

Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk are the GLP-1 leaders as of 2026, with Lilly controlling a greater market share.

Is there a GLP-1 ETF?

Several ETFs provide exposure to the GLP-1 market, including the Roundhill GLP-1 & Weight Loss ETF and the Amplify Weight Loss Drug & Treatment ETF.

Can you invest in GLP-1?

Yes, you can invest in GLP-1 drugs by buying individual stocks of companies in the space, such as Novo Nordisk or Eli Lilly. You can also invest in ETFs that hold a basket of these companies, providing diversification.

How big is the GLP-1 market?

The GLP-1 market is a multibillion-dollar addressable market that could reach $268 billion by the 2030s.

How should GLP-1 stocks fit into a diversified portfolio?

There are a few ways to approach investing in GLP-1 stocks as you build out a diversified investment portfolio. Investors often prefer to hold established leaders, like Eli Lilly, which also has an established oncology and neuroscience drug portfolio. Smaller biotech firms developing next-gen GLP-1s, like Viking Therapeutics, are also getting a lot of attention from investors. Thematic ETFs can be a good option if you want to take a basket approach to investing in GLP-1 stocks.

5 Best GLP-1 Stocks for 2026 and How to Invest

By Rachel Warren – Updated Jun 24, 2026 at 1:16 PM EST | Fact-checked by Margo Winton Parodi

Key Points

GLP-1 drugs, effective for weight loss and diabetes, are redefining obesity management.
Leading GLP-1 companies Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk are expanding treatments to other diseases.
Investing in GLP-1 stocks like LLY and NVO offers growth opportunities, consider ETFs for diversity.

GLP-1 stocks are an interesting option for investors, as GLP-1 drugs are transforming healthcare in the modern age. Initially developed for type 2 diabetes, these drugs have demonstrated significant weight loss benefits. GLP-1s are changing the way healthcare providers think about obesity management beyond traditional surgical approaches.

They also show potential for treating other conditions, like cardiovascular disease and sleep apnea. And, some researchers are exploring their potential in treating kidney disease, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's.

5 top GLP-1 stocks for 2026

Here's what you need to know about the top GLP-1 stocks to buy right now, how to invest in GLP-1 stocks, and key considerations before you put cash to work.

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Ticker Information Table
Name and ticker	Current price	Market capMarket cap calculated using publicly traded shares outstanding only. Does not include unlisted, private, or dual-class non-traded shares. Implied market cap may vary.	Dividend yield	Industry
Eli Lilly (NYSE:LLY)	$1,245.31	$1.2 trillion	0.53%	Pharmaceuticals
Novo Nordisk (NYSE:NVO)	$46.88	$156.4 billion	3.84%	Pharmaceuticals
Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ:VKTX)	$32.70	$4.0 billion	0.00%	Biotechnology
Pfizer (NYSE:PFE)	$27.99	$160.0 billion	6.13%	Pharmaceuticals
Merck (NYSE:MRK)	$150.85	$376.4 billion	2.20%	Pharmaceuticals

Data as of Aug 24, 2026. Showing 5 of 5 total entries.

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1. Eli Lilly

NYSE: LLY

Eli Lilly

Today's Change

(-0.80%) $-10.09

Current Price

$1,245.31

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$1.2T

Day's Range

$1230.95 - $1262.14

52wk Range

$694.23 - $1292.65

Volume

195.2K

Avg Vol

Gross Margin

83.40%

Dividend Yield

0.53%

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Eli Lilly (LLY -0.74%) is a global pharmaceutical powerhouse known for its extensive product portfolio across oncology, immunology, and neuroscience, and other disease areas. Eli Lilly has made it a habit of bolstering its expansive research infrastructure by aggressive acquisitions, and recent additions have broadened its scope into vaccine development and infectious diseases.

The company is undeniably the frontrunner in the GLP-1 market. Eli Lilly manufactures the wildly successful injectable dual-agonist treatments Mounjaro (for type 2 diabetes) and Zepbound (for obesity). It also expanded its market share in early 2026 by securing FDA approval for its highly anticipated once-daily nonpeptide weight-loss pill, Foundayo.

Eli Lilly continues to test the bounds of efficacy with its pipeline candidate retatrutide, a triple-acting "tri-agonist" that's set clinical records by triggering a notable 28% body weight reduction in mid-to-late-stage trials. The company's balance sheet is flush with cash and profits, and investors can benefit from a steady dividend on top of share price appreciation.

2. Novo Nordisk

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NYSE: NVO

Novo Nordisk

Today's Change

(0.30%) $0.14

Current Price

$46.88

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$156B

Day's Range

$46.82 - $47.30

52wk Range

$35.12 - $64.16

Volume

1.2M

Avg Vol

12.4M

Gross Margin

80.65%

Dividend Yield

3.84%

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Danish healthcare leader Novo Nordisk (NVO +0.30%) has historically served as a dominant player in the world of diabetes care and metabolic health. In addition to its GLP-1 franchise, the company boasts products that treat hemophilia, rare endocrine disorders, and various chronic cardiovascular conditions. Even as it navigates shifting executive leadership and pricing pressures in Western retail markets, the conglomerate represents a highly stable, cash-rich business backed by an extensive global manufacturing footprint.

Novo Nordisk originally kicked off the modern weight loss boom with its injectable semaglutide blockbusters, Ozempic and Wegovy. To counter pill-based competitors, Novo won landmark FDA approval for its Wegovy pill, creating the first once-daily oral GLP-1 specifically indicated for long-term weight management and cardiovascular risk reduction.

Looking ahead, one of the most notable candidates in the company's near-term pipeline is CagriSema, a potent, fixed-dose injectable combination of semaglutide and cagrilintide. Recent clinical trial results show that CagriSema delivers stronger weight loss and blood sugar control than Wegovy alone. By combining these two distinct mechanisms into one shot, Novo Nordisk could have a powerful next-generation weapon to defend its market share against Eli Lilly.

3. Viking Therapeutics

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NASDAQ: VKTX

Viking Therapeutics

Today's Change

(-3.50%) $-1.19

Current Price

$32.70

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$4.0B

Day's Range

$32.69 - $33.77

52wk Range

$22.96 - $43.15

Volume

164.6K

Avg Vol

2.3M

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Viking Therapeutics (VKTX -3.07%) is a classic high-risk, high-reward biotech wildcard. Unlike the cash-flowing conglomerates on this list, Viking is a clinical-stage company that currently generates zero revenue and spends heavily on research. However, Wall Street is fascinated by the stock because of its promising drug pipeline. There's also speculation that the company could be an attractive acquisition target for a larger pharmaceutical player looking to enter the weight-loss space.

Viking's lead candidate is VK2735, which works as a "dual agonist." This means that the drug targets two different gut hormones at the same time: GLP-1 and GIP. These are the natural hormones that the body releases after a meal to signal fullness to the brain. By mimicking both hormones at once, the drug effectively tricks the brain into turning off hunger signals, slows digestion so the person feels full longer, and helps the body process insulin much better.

The company is moving fast, having fully enrolled patients in early 2026 for its Phase 3 VANQUISH-2 trials to test the weekly injection over a 78-week period. Viking Therapeutics also has a parallel development track for an oral tablet version of VK2735. Depending on the efficacy results, offering both a pill and a shot could give the company the flexibility to disrupt the industry giants.

4. Pfizer

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NYSE: PFE

Pfizer

Today's Change

(-0.30%) $-0.09

Current Price

$27.99

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$160B

Day's Range

$27.82 - $28.16

52wk Range

$23.58 - $28.75

Volume

2.5M

Avg Vol

42.3M

Gross Margin

64.83%

Dividend Yield

6.13%

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Pfizer (PFE -0.13%) is another pharmaceutical leader. It has a superior global footprint that spans vaccines, cancer treatments, and everyday medicines. While Pfizer is entering the GLP-1 race later than the first-movers, it offers investors an enormous clinical development network, unmatched global distribution channels, and deep financial pockets to close the competitive gap.

After an earlier weight loss pill flopped in trials due to severe side effects, Pfizer completely retooled its game plan. The centerpiece of its comeback effort is berobenatide, a promising injection acquired through its acquisition of Metsera following a fierce bidding war with Novo Nordisk.

Pfizer has moved berobenatide directly into Phase 3 trials to target both obesity and related health conditions. To keep its options open, Pfizer also bought the rights to a next-generation weight loss pill called YP05002, aiming to ensure the company retains a place in the growing oral GLP-1 market.

5. Merck

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NYSE: MRK

Merck

Today's Change

(-1.11%) $-1.70

Current Price

$150.85

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$376B

Day's Range

$149.53 - $151.38

52wk Range

$77.58 - $154.49

Volume

1.3M

Avg Vol

10.9M

Gross Margin

72.43%

Dividend Yield

2.20%

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Merck (MRK -1.09%) is a legacy pharmaceutical player with a portfolio anchored by Keytruda, the world's top-selling cancer immunotherapy drug. Keytruda generates the kind of steady, multi-billion-dollar cash flows that allow Merck to invest heavily in new sectors without risking its balance sheet stability. Instead of rushing into a crowded retail price war for standard lifestyle weight loss drugs, Merck is taking a highly calculated approach by targeting specific, severe internal organ damage caused by metabolic issues.

The company's primary asset in the GLP-1 space is efinopegdutide, a dual GLP-1/glucagon injection licensed from Hanmi Pharmaceutical. Rather than fighting for pharmacy shelf space against Wegovy or Zepbound, Merck is developing the drug specifically to treat MASH (a dangerous and severe liver disease linked to obesity).

The drug has already earned FDA Fast Track status after mid-stage data showed it cleared liver fat far better than standard semaglutide. To broaden its horizons, Merck also paid $112 million upfront to license HS-10535, an experimental weight loss pill from Hansoh Pharma (SEHK:3692).

How to buy GLP-1 stocks

Once you're ready to invest in GLP-1 stock, simply follow these steps:

Open your brokerage account: Log in to your brokerage account where you handle your investments. If you don't have one yet, take a look at our favorite brokers and trading platforms to find the right one for you.
Search for the stock: Enter the ticker into the search bar to bring up the stock's trading page.
Decide how many shares to buy: Consider your investment goals and how much of your portfolio you want to allocate to this stock.
Select order type: Choose between a market order to buy at the current price or a limit order to specify the maximum price you're willing to pay.
Submit your order: Confirm the details and submit your buy order.
Review your purchase: Check your portfolio to ensure your order was filled as expected and adjust your investment strategy accordingly.

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Benefits and risks of investing in GLP-1 stocks

Here are some factors to consider before you put money to work in GLP-1 stocks.

The surge in revenue and profits that key players have experienced from their GLP-1 franchises can also create attractive investment opportunities for long-term shareholders.
The GLP-1 market is attracting numerous companies, including both established pharmaceutical giants and smaller biotech firms.
Growing competition could create opportunities for numerous winners to control profitable slices of the market.
The high demand for GLP-1 drugs has driven up some manufacturers' stock prices, so there are justifiable concerns in certain market periods about whether these stocks are overvalued.
Investing in clinical-stage companies working on GLP-1 drugs is a far higher-risk, higher-reward venture than putting cash into an established pharmaceutical company with a broad product portfolio.

If you prefer a more diversified approach, consider investing in ETFs that hold shares of leaders in the GLP-1 industry. Some ETFs that provide exposure to the GLP-1 market include:

Roundhill GLP-1 & Weight Loss ETF (OZEM +0.21%)
Amplify Weight Loss Drug & Treatment ETF (THNR +0.95%)
Tema Obesity & Cardiometabolic ETF (HRTS +0.86%)

However, if you're confident in your ability to select promising GLP-1 companies and understand the risks involved, picking individual stocks might be a more attractive option.

The bottom line

The GLP-1 market presents a significant investment opportunity. However, choosing individual and funds in this space requires careful consideration of your and investment objectives.

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Investing in GLP-1 stocks FAQ

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About the Author

Rachel Warren is a contributing Motley Fool stock market analyst covering pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices, information technology, and consumer goods. Prior to The Motley Fool, Rachel was a paralegal and legal administrator. She holds a bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies from Liberty University School of Law.

TMFRachelW

Rachel Warren has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amgen and Merck. The Motley Fool recommends Novo Nordisk, Roche Holding AG, and Viking Therapeutics. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

5 Best GLP-1 Stocks for 2026 and How to Invest

Key Points

5 top GLP-1 stocks for 2026

1. Eli Lilly

Key Data Points

2. Novo Nordisk

Key Data Points

3. Viking Therapeutics

Key Data Points

4. Pfizer

Key Data Points

5. Merck

Key Data Points

How to buy GLP-1 stocks

Benefits and risks of investing in GLP-1 stocks

The bottom line

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Investing in GLP-1 stocks FAQ

What companies make GLP-1 drugs?

What companies make GLP-1 drugs?

Who is the market leader for GLP-1 drugs?

Who is the market leader for GLP-1 drugs?

Is there a GLP-1 ETF?

Is there a GLP-1 ETF?

Can you invest in GLP-1?

Can you invest in GLP-1?

How big is the GLP-1 market?

How big is the GLP-1 market?

How should GLP-1 stocks fit into a diversified portfolio?

How should GLP-1 stocks fit into a diversified portfolio?

About the Author

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5 top GLP-1 stocks for 2026

Key Data Points

2. Novo Nordisk

Key Data Points

3. Viking Therapeutics

Key Data Points

4. Pfizer

Key Data Points

5. Merck

Key Data Points

How to buy GLP-1 stocks

Biotech vs. Pharma: What's the Difference?

5 Best Medical Device Stocks for 2026 and How to Invest

Pharmaceutical tariffs: Which countries does the U.S. import the most from?

These Are Billionaires’ Favorite Healthcare Stocks

Investing in GLP-1 stocks FAQ

What companies make GLP-1 drugs?

What companies make GLP-1 drugs?

Who is the market leader for GLP-1 drugs?

Who is the market leader for GLP-1 drugs?

Is there a GLP-1 ETF?

Is there a GLP-1 ETF?

Can you invest in GLP-1?

Can you invest in GLP-1?

How big is the GLP-1 market?

How big is the GLP-1 market?

How should GLP-1 stocks fit into a diversified portfolio?

How should GLP-1 stocks fit into a diversified portfolio?

Benefits and risks of investing in GLP-1 stocks

The bottom line