GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is originally a hormone naturally produced by the intestine.
Also known as GLP-1 agonists, the medications we are talking about are formulated to mimic the different actions of this hormone. Appetite regulation, blood sugar control, slowing of gastric emptying, and neurological action.
In France, the first injectable AGLP-1 treatments appeared more discreetly in 2010. Such as Byetta® (later Bydureon®), an exenatide.
Since 2019, other GLP-1 molecules have received marketing authorization (authorization to be marketed). Including tirzepatide in 2024, sold under the name Mounjaro®.
According to the ANSM (French National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products), there would today be 700,000 patients using these GLP-1 medications.
Many questions remain about these new solutions. In particular, their true cost and the reimbursement conditions, which have changed profoundly in spring 2026. Here’s the breakdown!
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Average prices of GLP-1 treatments
AGLP-1s available on the market
Having set out to conquer these remedies with promising results, two major laboratories dominate the AGLP-1 market.
Several molecules are now available in France:
- semaglutide: Ozempic (Novo Nordisk), Wegovy (Novo Nordisk)
- liraglutide: Victoza (Novo Nordisk), Saxenda (Novo Nordisk)
- dulaglutide: Trulicity (Eli Lilly)
- tirzepatide: Mounjaro (Eli Lilly)
- exenatide: Bydureon (AstraZeneca)
Their prices in France
Since their inclusion on the list of reimbursable medicines, the prices of most GLP-1 medicines are now regulated and set at the national level.
Here is a summary of the public prices of the main incretin-mimetic treatments in France:
- around €80 for Ozempic or Trulicity
- from €146.91 (0.25 to 1 mg doses) to €195.10 (2.4 mg dose) for Wegovy, whose price has been regulated since June 2026
- from €176.10 (2.5 mg dose) to €433.80 (12.5 and 15 mg doses) for Mounjaro, also price-regulated since June 2026
These amounts correspond to the public prices including tax set by decree. Only certain specialties that remain outside the scope of reimbursement retain a price freely set by pharmacies.
Reimbursement of anti-diabetic and anti-obesity medicines
Since 2025, the conditions for coverage of GLP-1 analogues in France have changed several times. Regulations now more strictly govern their prescription. And since June 15, 2026, reimbursement has for the first time extended to the treatment of obesity. In precisely defined situations.
The coverage conditions for GLP-1 anti-diabetes treatment
Medicines such as Ozempic, Victoza, or Trulicity remain reimbursable, provided they are prescribed strictly within the context of type 2 diabetes.
The reimbursement rate by Health Insurance amounts to 65% of the base fee when the indication is appropriate. However, the rate may vary depending on the molecule and the patient’s situation. Coverage can reach 100% under a long-term illness (ALD).
Since February 1, 2025, this coverage has notably depended on the completion of a specific form accompanying the prescription.
This document is filled out by the prescribing physician (general practitioner or specialist). It makes it possible to justify the medical indication by specifying, in particular:
- the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes
- the treatments already in place and their failure or inadequacy
- the patient’s profile (clinical parameters, therapeutic objectives).
Without this form or in the case of use for weight loss without a diagnosis of diabetes, dispensing may be refused. And no coverage is granted.
Please note: since June 15, 2026, Mounjaro has also been reimbursable for the treatment of type 2 diabetes that is insufficiently controlled. In addition to diet and physical activity. Its prescription for this indication may be made by any physician.
In practical terms, only patients who meet the defined medical criteria can benefit from partial reimbursement, possibly supplemented by their health insurance plan.
The coverage conditions for anti-obesity GLP-1 treatment
This is the big change of 2026: Wegovy and Mounjaro have been reimbursed at 65% by Health Insurance since June 15, 2026. This is within the framework of weight control in adults.
Two decrees dated May 23, 2026, published in the Official Journal on May 28, 2026, added these specialty medicines to the list of reimbursable medicines. This followed favorable opinions from the HAS (French National Authority for Health).
However, this coverage remains strictly regulated and applies only to a portion of treated patients. To qualify, several cumulative conditions must be met:
- have an initial BMI ≥ 40 kg/m², or a BMI ≥ 35 kg/m² associated with at least one comorbidity specified by the decree (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, in particular)
- be in a situation of failure of a properly conducted nutritional treatment, defined by weight loss of less than 5% after six months
- continue in parallel with a low-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Another specific feature: the initial prescription is reserved for professionals practicing in specialized obesity care facilities. In particular, specialized obesity centers, hospital nutrition or endocrinology departments, physicians specializing in endocrinology-diabetology-nutrition…
The general practitioner can handle treatment renewals, but not its initiation for reimbursement purposes.
Outside these criteria, notably in the case of use for weight loss without clearly defined severe obesity, the treatment remains entirely at the patient’s expense.
Are GLP-1 medications effective?
Yes, GLP-1 analogs are increasingly establishing themselves as effective therapeutic options, both for glycemic control and weight reduction.
Clinical trials such as the STEP study on semaglutide (Wegovy) have notably shown an average weight loss of up to 15% in patients with obesity. This is associated with an improvement in several cardiometabolic markers.
However, these results must be put into perspective by the frequent occurrence of adverse effects. As well as by uncertainties regarding their long-term effectiveness.
In this context, the strict regulation of prescribing and reimbursement rules helps to limit misuse and reserve these medicines for medically justified situations. All this in order to preserve a central role for nutrition, physical activity, and healthcare professionals.
Sources and scientific studies
- Ameli.fr – Anti-diabetic medications: Support for prescribing
- ANSM – GLP-1 analogues indicated in the treatment of obesity: ANSM changes their prescribing and dispensing conditions, 2025
- Decrees of May 23, 2026 amending the list of pharmaceutical specialties reimbursable to social security beneficiaries (Wegovy, Mounjaro), Official Journal of May 28, 2026
- HAS – Opinion of the Transparency Commission, Wegovy (2024) and Mounjaro (2025)
- John P H Wilding, Rachel L Batterham, Salvatore Calanna, Melanie Davies, Luc F Van Gaal, Ildiko Lingvay, Barbara M McGowan, Julio Rosenstock, Marie T D Tran, Thomas A Wadden, Sean Wharton, Koutaro Yokote, Niels Zeuthen, Robert F Kushner, STEP 1 Study Group, Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity, N Engl J Med, 2021
