As the demand for weight-loss medications continues to grow, pharmaceutical companies are racing to develop new and improved treatments that could outpace current leaders like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. GLP-1 medications, which regulate blood sugar and appetite, have revolutionized weight loss and diabetes management. However, many of these treatments require injections, and there’s room for innovation. Below are five promising new drugs that may shape the future of weight loss.
Eli Lilly’s Triple-Action Injection: Retatrutide
Why it’s interesting: Retatrutide targets three hormones—GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon—to potentially offer greater weight loss than current medications, with effects similar to bariatric surgery.
How it works: This once-weekly injection works similarly to Ozempic and Mounjaro but adds a hormone that may enhance energy expenditure, aiding fat burning.
Current research: In mid-stage trials, patients lost an average of 58 pounds in 11 months.
Timeline: Phase III trials are expected to conclude by early 2026.
Viking Therapeutics’ VK2735: A Faster-Acting Weight-Loss Drug
Why it’s interesting: VK2735 shows promise for faster weight loss compared to current medications.
How it works: This drug targets GLP-1 and GIP hormones, similar to Mounjaro, and is being tested both in pill form and as a once-weekly injection.
Current research: In a mid-stage trial, participants lost 14.7% of their body weight in just 13 weeks.
Timeline: Viking Therapeutics plans to meet with the FDA to discuss Phase II results before 2025, with the oral version entering Phase II trials by the end of the year.
Eli Lilly’s Orforglipron: The First Oral GLP-1
Why it’s interesting: Orforglipron could be the first oral GLP-1 medication, appealing to those who prefer pills over injections.
How it works: Similar to semaglutide, Orforglipron helps slow digestion, manage blood sugar, and control insulin.
Current research: Phase II trials suggest a weight loss of 9.4% to 14.7% over 36 weeks.
Timeline: Late-stage trials are expected to continue until 2027.
Novo Nordisk’s CagriSema: A Combination Injection
Why it’s interesting: CagriSema combines semaglutide with cagrilintide to target additional hormones, potentially leading to greater weight loss than semaglutide alone.
How it works: The addition of cagrilintide helps regulate appetite and digestion, enhancing the effects of semaglutide.
Current research: Early studies suggest patients could lose up to 15% of their weight in 32 weeks, with projections indicating up to 25% over a longer period.
Timeline: Phase III trials are set to finish in late 2025, with potential availability in 2026.
Amgen’s MariTide: A Longer-Lasting Monthly Injection
Why it’s interesting: MariTide offers the potential for greater convenience with a monthly—or less frequent—dose.
How it works: MariTide mimics GLP-1 and GIP hormones, but also reduces GIP receptor activity, which may enhance fat burning.
Current research: Early studies show patients lost an average of 14.5% of their body weight in 12 weeks, with a single dose leading to 8.2% weight loss.
Timeline: Phase II trials are expected to yield data later this year, with Phase III planning underway.
These drugs, along with their unique mechanisms and potential advantages, could reshape the landscape of weight-loss treatments, offering faster, more convenient, and potentially more effective options for patients in the near future.
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