7 Promising Obesity Drugs Set to Launch by 2027

More than 80 obesity drugs are currently in the pipeline with a strong emphasis on GLP-1 receptor agonists. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are medications designed to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity by reducing blood glucose levels and regulating metabolism. Ongoing efforts by several obesity companies aim to refine existing treatments and develop advanced obesity therapies. 

This includes exploring combinations of GLP-1 with other entero-pancreatic hormones like glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), glucagon, and amylin, which may work together to boost the effectiveness of GLP-1 receptor agonists. These new combinations are currently being tested in obesity clinical trials to improve weight loss and cardiovascular benefits.

Top 7 Obesity Drugs Expected to Hit the Market by 2027

These obesity drugs are set to change the treatment space in the coming years. Let’s dive deep into the most promising obesity drugs that are set to be launched by 2027.

Eli Lilly’ Orforglipron

Orforglipron (LY3502970) is a chemical compound that functions as an agonist for the GLP-1 receptor. It is under investigation for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity. Orforglipron was discovered by Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and was licensed to Lilly in 2018. The drug is presently undergoing Phase III obesity clinical trials. The company is expected to launch this obesity drug by 2026.

In June 2023, Lilly reported that Orforglipron led to an average weight reduction of up to 14.7% over 36 weeks in adults with obesity or overweight and resulted in an average A1C reduction of up to 2.1% over 26 weeks in adults with type 2 diabetes during Phase II trials.

Novo Nordisk’s CagriSema

CagriSema is a new obesity drug that combines Novo’s top-selling WEGOVY (semaglutide) with cagrilintide, a long-lasting version of the pancreatic polypeptide amylin. This combination aids in weight loss by slowing gastric emptying and reducing blood glucose levels. The obesity drug is expected to be launched in 2027.

In November 2023, Eli Lilly gained FDA approval for ZEPBOUND (tirzepatide), a dual agonist targeting glucagon-like peptide-1 and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GLP-1/GIP) for treating obesity. Until now, Novo Nordisk’s GLP-1 agonist WEGOVY (semaglutide) dominated the obesity market. 

However, tirzepatide is anticipated to be more effective than semaglutide due to its dual agonist mechanism, potentially causing Novo Nordisk to lose market share. In response, Novo Nordisk has initiated a new Phase III trial to compare the efficacy and safety of Zepbound’s highest dose with its late-stage therapy CagriSema—a combination of 2.4mg semaglutide and 2.4mg cagrilintide. Cagrilintide is a long-acting amylin analogue that enhances semaglutide’s weight loss effects.

According to a Phase II CagriSema trial, the combination therapy resulted in a 15.6% drop in body weight at Week 32 of treatment from baseline. In contrast, in the SURMOUNT-1 Phase III trial, ZEPBOUND reduced body weight by 15% from baseline at the lowest dose and 20.9% at the highest dose (15mg) after 72 weeks. These findings indicate that CagriSema is likely to generate a greater change in body weight from baseline than even the maximum dose of ZEPBOUND in a given amount of time.

The launch of this Phase III comparative obesity clinical trial by Novo Nordisk may indicate that CagriSema and ZEPBOUND will become direct competitors once Novo Nordisk’s candidate hits the market. ZEPBOUND is only approved for individuals with a BMI of 30 or above, or overweight patients with one or more weight-related comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, respiratory issues, or cardiovascular illness. 

CagriSema’s future patient population has yet to be determined because the obesity drug is currently in clinical testing. However, in clinical studies, combo medicine is being evaluated in both obese and overweight individuals, so we can expect it to compete with ZEPBOUND once approved.

With Eli Lilly’s ZEPBOUND entering the obesity treatment market, Novo Nordisk anticipates increased competition for its current market leader, WEGOVY. In response, Novo Nordisk is progressing with new drugs in its pipeline for treating type 2 diabetes and/or obesity. The company plans to challenge ZEPBOUND through a comparative Phase III obesity clinical trial, aiming to demonstrate the superior efficacy of its combination therapy, CagriSema.

Boehringer Ingelheim’s Survodutide

Survodutide (BI 456906) is a dual agonist targeting both GCGR and GLP1 receptors, developed by Boehringer Ingelheim. It is designed to help with weight loss and glucose control. The drug utilizes the effects of the natural hormone oxyntomodulin, which has been shown to reduce food intake and increase energy expenditure, along with the established benefits of GLP1 agonism for managing glucose levels and body weight. 

Survodutide is being explored as a potential new weekly treatment with significant benefits over existing options. In August 2023, Boehringer Ingelheim decided to move forward with three Phase III obesity clinical trials for individuals with overweight or obesity, following promising results from a Phase II dose-finding study. This obesity drug is anticipated to hit the market by 2027.

Eli Lilly’s Retatrutide

Retatrutide is a biological entity that acts as a triagonist for the GIP receptor, the GLP-1 receptor, and the glucagon receptor. It is being studied for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, obesity, osteoarthritis, and obstructive sleep apnea with a planned simultaneous submission strategy. The drug is presently in Phase III obesity clinical trials and is expected to launch by 2027.

In June 2023, Lilly revealed that Retatrutide led to an average weight loss of up to 17.5% after 24 weeks in adults with obesity or overweight, and an average weight reduction of up to 24.2% after 48 weeks in phase II obesity clinical trials.

Amgen’s AMG-133

Maridebart cafraglutide (MariTide, previously known as AMG 133) functions as an antagonist of the gastric inhibitory polypeptide receptor (GIPR) and an agonist of the GLP-1 receptor. It is currently under investigation for its potential use in treating obesity and diabetes. This obesity drug is predicted to enter the market by 2027.

In December 2022, Amgen announced new Phase I results for AMG 133. This first-in-human study was aimed at assessing the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of AMG 133 in individuals with obesity but without diabetes. The findings were shared in an oral presentation on December 3 at the 20th World Congress of Insulin Resistance, Diabetes, and Cardiovascular Disease (WCIRDC) Hybrid Conference.

Participants were randomly assigned (3:1) to receive either subcutaneous AMG 133 or a placebo, administered as either a single ascending dose (SAD) or multiple ascending doses (MAD). In the MAD groups, mean body weight changes ranged from a decrease of -7.2% at the lowest dose (140mg Q4W) to -14.5% at the highest dose (420mg Q4W) by day 85. A significant amount of weight loss persisted beyond the treatment period, with details to be discussed in the oral presentation. Most treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were mild and short-lived, primarily gastrointestinal, with nausea and vomiting being the most common; these events typically resolved within 48 hours. 

Pfizer’s Danuglipron

Pfizer has developed an oral small-molecule GLP-1R agonist called danuglipron (PF-06882961). In June 2023, Pfizer decided to advance this candidate further for the potential treatment of obesity in adults. In December 2023, Pfizer released preliminary results from a Phase IIb obesity clinical trial of danuglipron in adults with obesity but without type 2 diabetes. The trial achieved its primary goal by showing a statistically significant reduction in body weight from the baseline. The company is anticipating to launch the obesity drug by 2026.

Viking Therapeutics’ VK-2735

Pfizer is working on VK2735, an innovative dual agonist targeting both the GLP-1 and GIP receptors, to treat a range of metabolic disorders. In September 2023, the company launched the Phase II VENTURE trial to assess VK2735 in individuals with obesity. This trial aims to examine the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and effectiveness of VK2735 for weight loss when administered subcutaneously every week. Spanning 13 weeks, the trial initially planned to include around 125 participants with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) or overweight individuals (BMI ≥27 kg/m2) who have at least one weight-related health issue. However, due to increased interest from both clinicians and patients, the enrollment target was expanded to 176 participants.

In February 2024, the company revealed that the Phase II VENTURE trial had met its primary and all secondary endpoints, with VK2735 showing statistically significant reductions in body weight compared to a placebo. The study also confirmed that VK2735 was safe and well tolerated, with most treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) being mild or moderate. Based on these results, Viking plans to consult with the FDA about the next steps for VK2735.

This VENTURE trial builds on promising Phase I data from early 2023. This Phase I trial, which tested VK2735 (administered subcutaneously) for metabolic disorders, demonstrated a favorable safety and tolerability profile along with early signs of clinical benefit.

Pfizer is also assessing an oral version of VK2735 in a Phase 1 clinical trial. This obesity drug is expected to reach the market by 2027.

The Road Ahead for Obesity Drugs

The anticipated launch of these emerging obesity drugs, particularly the new generation of GLP-1 agonists, is poised to significantly transform not only the obesity treatment landscape but also the GLP-1 agonists market too. 

Unlike traditional weight loss therapies, these drugs work by mimicking the effects of natural hormones that regulate appetite and glucose metabolism, leading to substantial weight loss and improved overall health outcomes. 

As a result, the obesity treatment market is expected to expand rapidly, with these novel obesity drugs potentially becoming first-line therapies for patients struggling with obesity. Moreover, the growing popularity and effectiveness of GLP-1 agonists are likely to drive innovation and competition within this segment, leading to more targeted and personalized treatment options.

In addition to these obesity drugs, various non-entero-pancreatic hormone obesity therapies are under evaluation, offering alternative weight loss options due to their distinct mechanisms. These emerging obesity drugs highlight the expanding range of strategies for addressing the complex nature of the condition.