Why the Buzz Around New Weight Loss Medications?
You might have heard a lot lately about new weight loss medications. That’s because drugs like Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide), which belong to a class called GLP-1 receptor agonists, have shown remarkable results, sometimes even close to what can be achieved with weight loss surgery. While these effective treatments currently require weekly injections, the big goal is to develop a convenient daily pill that offers similar benefits without the need for needles.
Setback for Pfizer’s Weight Loss Pill: What Happened with Danuglipron?
Pharmaceutical company Pfizer was working on an oral (pill-based) GLP-1 receptor agonist called danuglipron. However, they recently announced they are stopping its development. This decision came after a participant in a clinical trial experienced a potential liver issue that resolved when the medication was stopped. An earlier version of danuglipron, which had to be taken twice a day, was also stopped in 2023 due to many patients experiencing side effects like nausea and vomiting.
Good News from Lilly: Progress with Orforglipron – A Weight Loss Pill on the Horizon
Just a few days after Pfizer’s announcement, there was positive news from Eli Lilly regarding their oral GLP-1 pill, orforglipron. Late-stage trial results showed that orforglipron led to:
Orforglipron vs. Danuglipron: What’s the Difference?
While both orforglipron and danuglipron work by activating the GLP-1 receptor in the body, they are different in their chemical structure. Even small differences in how a drug is made can affect how the body processes it and how long it stays in your system, potentially influencing both effectiveness and side effects.
Other Promising Weight Loss Medications in Development
The future of weight management looks bright, with several other innovative treatments in the pipeline:
CagriSema (cagrilintide + semaglutide, weekly injection): This combines a GLP-1 drug (semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy) with another type of drug called an amylin analogue (cagrilintide). Amylin helps slow down food leaving the stomach and reduces appetite.
Amycretin (oral pill or weekly injection): This is a single molecule that targets both GLP-1 and amylin receptors, potentially offering enhanced benefits.
Retatrutide (weekly injection): This is a “triple agonist,” meaning it targets three different receptors: GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon. This approach aims to increase calorie burning and reduce food intake in multiple ways.
What This Means for People with Type 2 Diabetes or Obesity
It is an exciting time, with more treatment options on the horizon. However, it’s important to remember that these new medications won’t be available immediately. The first oral GLP-1 pill (orforglipron) could potentially be available in late 2026 if it receives the necessary approvals. CagriSema, amycretin, and retatrutide are likely further down the line, possibly 18 to 36 months away or more.
Safety is Key
As with any new medication, safety monitoring will be crucial. Regular liver enzyme checks will likely be a standard part of treatment with any new weight loss pill, similar to how some cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins) or diabetes medications are managed.
More Than Just Weight Loss
It’s important to remember that these medications often offer benefits beyond just weight loss. They can also improve blood sugar control, blood pressure, reduce the risk of sleep apnoea, and potentially improve heart health. However, these benefits are enhanced by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including balanced eating, regular physical activity, sufficient sleep and stress management.
Access and Cost
The availability and cost of these new treatments will evolve over time. Typically, increased competition in the market can lead to lower prices. Oral medications might become more widely accessible due to easier shipping and storage compared to injections.
Talk to Your Healthcare Team
The most important step is to have an open conversation with your doctor or healthcare provider. Discuss your health goals, whether they relate to weight, blood sugar, joint pain or other concerns. The “best” treatment for you is the one that best fits your individual health needs, preferences, and budget today, while also considering future options.
A Positive Future for Weight Management
The recent news, including the setback for Pfizer and the progress with Lilly, highlights that scientific progress isn’t always a straight path. However, every clinical trial, regardless of its outcome, provides valuable information that helps researchers develop safer and more effective treatments. The current pipeline of weight loss medications is incredibly promising, with a variety of approaches targeting different hormones in the body. This suggests that more personalised and effective care for obesity is becoming a reality.
If you are living with type 2 diabetes or struggling with your weight, continue to have these important conversations with your doctor. Effective treatments are already available and even more promising options are actively being developed. Together, you and your healthcare team can focus on achieving long-term health and well-being, going beyond just focusing on the number on the scale.