Just 1 of 15 UAE-site GLP-1 studies is recruiting or active, Zavis data shows

The UAE is Novo Nordisk's launchpad for a 70-country GLP-1 push, according to news reports. The public record shows how little GLP-1 research is under way at UAE sites now.

What the data shows

The Zavis GLP-1 and Peptides Monitor counts 15 registered studies of GLP-1 and related incretin medicines with a site in the UAE, all time. Only 1 is recruiting or active now. The monitor reads ClinicalTrials.gov, the public trial registry run by the US National Library of Medicine.

Saudi Arabia also has 15 registered studies on record, with 5 recruiting or active now. That is the highest count of recruiting or active studies among GCC countries. Kuwait has 8 studies, with 4 recruiting or active. Bahrain and Oman have none on record.

Across the GCC, Zavis analysis finds 35 registered studies, with 10 recruiting or active and 7 recruiting now. The single study recruiting at a UAE site is a Phase 3 study of orforglipron sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company, which also has a site in Saudi Arabia. The only Novo Nordisk-sponsored study recruiting or active at a GCC site is a Phase 4 semaglutide study in Saudi Arabia, listed as active and not recruiting.

Need is high across the region. World Health Organization data show 31.6% of UAE adults have obesity (age-standardised, 2024). Qatar tops the GCC table at 42%.

Regulators abroad have been busy. In the 90 days to 27 October 2026, the US Food and Drug Administration approved 8 submissions for GLP-1 medicines, according to its public openFDA records. Of these, 3 were efficacy supplements, covering 2 medicines: Mounjaro and Zepbound, both tirzepatide. There were 0 original generic approvals.

Supply records show strain in the US. The FDA shortage list names 9 GLP-1 presentations as current shortages, all liraglutide injections, including Victoza and Saxenda. A further 5 presentations are listed as to be discontinued, among them Rybelsus tablets in 3 mg, 7 mg and 14 mg. This list describes the US market, not supply in the UAE or the GCC.

In the EU, 13 GLP-1 and related medicines are authorised through the centralised procedure, according to European Medicines Agency data. Of these, 4 were first authorised in the last 12 months. One more, Foundayo (orforglipron), has a committee opinion awaiting a decision.

The monitor also tracks peptides outside this group. Five peptides with no US approval on record, thymosin beta-4 (TB-500), BPC-157, ipamorelin, GHK-Cu and CJC-1295, have 30 registered studies worldwide combined. Semaglutide alone has 790.

What it means

For clinic and hospital operators, the data points to a gap between commercial attention and local research. Hospitals that want to host GLP-1 studies have few open UAE options on the registry today. Investors weighing the UAE as a regional hub should note that Saudi Arabia and Kuwait hold more of the region's current study activity.

For insurers and pharmacies, the US shortage list is a signal to watch, not a measure of local stock. Patients should note that a registered study shows research activity, not proof that a medicine works or is safe. Decisions about any medicine belong with a licensed doctor.