Today's obesity treatments, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, have revolutionized weight management, but they are not without their limitations. In addition to common side effects (nausea, digestive disorders), they require regular injections and sometimes lead to muscle loss. Faced with these challenges, pharmaceutical companies are developing a new generation of drugs, promising greater efficacy and better tolerance.
More innovative solutions under development
Over a hundred new treatments are currently being developed, with several complementary approaches:
Alternatives to injections: Currently, the most effective drugs require weekly injections, which can be restrictive for some patients. Oral options such asOrforglipron (Eli Lilly) could be available as early as 2026.
Enhanced action: Some treatments combine several hormonal mechanisms to optimize weight loss. For example, Retatrutide (Eli Lilly, due in 2027) acts simultaneously on several receptors involved in metabolism.
Preserving muscle mass: Excessive muscle loss is a major problem with current treatments. Molecules such as Bimagrumab (Eli Lilly) aim to limit this undesirable effect.
New biological targets: Rather than focusing solely on digestive hormones, some drugs are exploring other avenues, such as regulating fat storage or inhibiting cannabinoid receptors, as in the case of Monlunabant (Novo Nordisk).
A more personalized approach to obesity treatment
Up to 30% of patients do not respond well to current treatments. The future therefore lies in solutions tailored to different metabolic profiles, enabling everyone to benefit from effective, well-tolerated treatment.
With these innovations, the pharmaceutical industry hopes not only to improve the management of obesity, but also to reach a market estimated at over $100 billion by the end of the decade. A veritable revolution is underway, promising more varied options better adapted to individual needs.
This article is a summary of an article published on February 12, 2025 by The Nature Publishing Group on Nature.com