Exploration: Edge-of-Reality Nutritional Medications for Weight Loss
In the ongoing battle against obesity, the pharmaceutical industry is making significant strides in the development of oral weight loss medications. Goldman Sachs predicts that by 2030, oral medications will represent 25% of the up to $100 billion anti-obesity therapeutic market.
A number of biopharma companies are jumping on the bandwagon, with Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly, Pfizer, and Roche among those looking to enter the market.
Novo Nordisk's lead asset for oral weight loss is Amycretin, currently in Phase III, with the trial results expected to be announced soon. The company has also submitted a new drug application to the FDA for an oral formulation of Wegovy (semaglutide), which could hit the market this year.
Eli Lilly's oral GLP-1 therapy, orforglipron, has completed its Phase III trials, with the first readout presented last month. However, early results disappointed analysts. No specific data has been shared breaking down weight loss by average pounds lost.
BMO Capital Markets analysts have pointed to racial and gender differences in the ATTAIN-1 study, where orforglipron was tested, as potential explanations for underperforming weight loss expectations. Around 36% of participants in the study were male, while roughly 38% identified as Hispanic or Latino. It is a "known phenomenon" that people of Hispanic heritage have a "reduced sensitivity to GLP-1 agents," according to BMO.
Structure's lead asset for oral weight loss is Aleniglipron, currently in Phase IIb, with the readout expected in Q4 2025. Terns Pharmaceuticals' lead asset TERN-601 is also in Phase II, with the readout expected in Q4 2025.
Rhythm Pharmaceuticals' lead asset Bivamelagon is in Phase II, with the readout expected in July 2025. Regor Therapeutics' lead asset RGT-075 is in Phase 2b, with the readout expected in 2025.
Viking Therapeutics' lead asset for oral weight loss is VK2735, currently in Phase II, with the readout expected in the second half of 2025.
The IQVIA report found that 43% of anti-obesity assets currently in development are orally administered. This trend is likely to continue as more companies enter the market and advance their oral weight loss drugs through clinical trials.
In summary, the oral weight loss drug market is poised for significant growth, with a number of promising assets currently in development. As these drugs move through clinical trials and reach the market, they have the potential to make a significant impact in the fight against obesity.
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