01 February 2024 | Eka Melson, Uzma Ashraf, Dimitris Papamargaritis, Melanie J. Davies
The article reviews the pipeline of future medications for obesity, focusing on entero-pancreatic hormone-based treatments. It highlights the development of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) such as semaglutide 2.4 mg, which has shown significant weight loss (WL) and cardioprotective effects. Oral GLP-1 RA are also under development, with early data showing similar efficacy to semaglutide. The next generation of treatments includes combinations of GLP-1 with other entero-pancreatic hormones, such as glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), glucagon, and amylin, to enhance WL and cardiometabolic benefits. Tirzepatide, a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist, has been approved for type 2 diabetes management and obesity treatment, achieving up to 22.5% WL in phase 3 trials. Other combinations, such as cagrisima (GLP-1/amylin RA) and retarutide (GLP-1/GIP/glucagon RA), are also in phase 3 trials. Non-entero-pancreatic hormone-based agents, like bimagrumab, are in early clinical trials. The article discusses the efficacy, safety, and clinical implications of these new obesity pharmacotherapies, emphasizing the potential for personalized treatment plans and the need to address challenges such as access and cost-effectiveness.The article reviews the pipeline of future medications for obesity, focusing on entero-pancreatic hormone-based treatments. It highlights the development of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) such as semaglutide 2.4 mg, which has shown significant weight loss (WL) and cardioprotective effects. Oral GLP-1 RA are also under development, with early data showing similar efficacy to semaglutide. The next generation of treatments includes combinations of GLP-1 with other entero-pancreatic hormones, such as glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), glucagon, and amylin, to enhance WL and cardiometabolic benefits. Tirzepatide, a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist, has been approved for type 2 diabetes management and obesity treatment, achieving up to 22.5% WL in phase 3 trials. Other combinations, such as cagrisima (GLP-1/amylin RA) and retarutide (GLP-1/GIP/glucagon RA), are also in phase 3 trials. Non-entero-pancreatic hormone-based agents, like bimagrumab, are in early clinical trials. The article discusses the efficacy, safety, and clinical implications of these new obesity pharmacotherapies, emphasizing the potential for personalized treatment plans and the need to address challenges such as access and cost-effectiveness.