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Bet on This New GLP-1 ETF to Gain Exposure to a Booming Market

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Key Takeaways

  • PEPT offers global exposure to peptide drug developers, manufacturers and delivery platforms.
  • GLP-1 adoption and expanding therapeutic uses could fuel long-term peptide market growth.
  • PEPT charges 65 bps, while competing THNR and OZEM charge 59 bps each.

REX Shares recently launched the REX Peptide ETF (PEPT), a thematic fund offering global exposure to the peptide industry, from drug developers to manufacturers and delivery platforms.

Inside PEPT ETF

The REX Peptide ETF looks to track the VettaFi Peptide Index, comprising companies developing, manufacturing and delivering peptide-based medicines, along with the businesses using peptides in supplements and skincare.

Eli Lilly (12.81%), Ascendis Pharma A/S Common Stock (10.26%) and Novo Nordisk A/S ADR (10.23%) take the top three spots in the fund. The fund charges 65 bps in fees.

PEPT ETF Targets the Expanding Peptide Drug Market

Peptides are naturally occurring signaling molecules that are being engineered into targeted, scalable medicines, per the source. They underpin today’s GLP-1 treatments and are increasingly being explored for a broader range of conditions, including metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, cancer and rare disorders.

A third of peptide medicine sales already comes from other diseases. In 2026, the FDA approved peptide drugs for plaque psoriasis and for a rare blood cancer. With new peptide facilities taking years to come online, limited production capacity is driving competition among buyers.

The underlying index of the PEPT ETF captures this opportunity by including contract manufacturers that support peptide drug production, per the fund issuer.

Peptide Market Poised for Significant Growth

Only about 2% of the global obese population and 7% of diagnosed diabetes patients currently receive GLP-1 treatment, as quoted on Rex Shares. However, the percentage of U.S. adults using these medications for weight loss climbed from 3% in 2024 to 11% in 2026, per Gallup, as quoted on the press release. This points to the growth trajectory of the drug segment.

The launch comes as the adoption of GLP-1 medications continues to expand. Meanwhile, J.P. Morgan Global Research projects that the global incretin market, which includes GLP-1 drugs, could reach $200 billion by 2030. Morgan Stanley Research expects the market for GLP-1 treatments targeting obesity and type 2 diabetes to grow from $79 billion in 2025 to $190 billion by 2035, per the press release.

Any Competition?

Amplify Weight Loss Drug & Treatment ETF (THNR - Free Report) andRoundhill GLP-1 & Weight Loss ETF (OZEM - Free Report) revolve around the same concept.  Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk take about 10% of the fund each.  THNR, which charges 59 bps in fees, is too light on assets, while OZEM has an asset base of $54.1 million. OZEM also charges 59 bps in fees.


 

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