Eli Lilly reported positive phase 3b Together-PsO results for Taltz plus Zepbound in adults with plaque psoriasis and obesity or overweight. Separate meeting updates highlighted new oral plaque psoriasis therapies with biologic-like efficacy.
BrightGene Bio-Medical reported Phase III data for BGM0504 showing 19.3% mean weight reduction and improvements in blood pressure, lipids and uric acid. The data highlighted GIP as a key variable in broader metabolic management.
GLP-1 drugs used for type 2 diabetes and obesity are seeing rising demand for weight loss as safety concerns also draw attention. A 2025 WHO guideline said long-term safety data remains limited.
A Cleveland Clinic study of nearly 8,000 patients found minimal weight regain one year after stopping semaglutide or tirzepatide, contrasting with clinical trial results. Meanwhile, Eli Lilly's retatrutide and Roche's petrelintide continue development as next-generation obesity treatments.
ACT Capital Management invested $7.25 million in Viking Therapeutics as the company advances its obesity drug candidate VK2735 into Phase 3 trials. India's drug regulator warned pharmaceutical companies against direct or surrogate advertising of weight-loss medicines, while South Korean drugmakers target year-end commercialization of domestically developed obesity treatments.
Novo Nordisk struggles against Eli Lilly in the weight loss market as CagriSema underperforms Zepbound, though new candidate UBT251 shows promise with 19.7% weight loss in 24 weeks. The company expects sales to decline in 2026 despite oral Wegovy's success.
Genentech announced positive Phase II results for CT-388, a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist, showing 22.5% placebo-adjusted weight loss at 48 weeks in people with obesity. The treatment was well-tolerated with low discontinuation rates.
Three GLP-1 weight-loss drugs—semaglutide, tirzepatide and retatrutide—reduced weight and improved metabolic health in mice lacking the MC4R gene, offering potential treatment for rare genetic obesity.
Semaglutide and tirzepatide represent distinct GLP-1-based weight management medications with different mechanisms of action. Clinical trials show varying weight loss outcomes, while new combination therapies undergo head-to-head testing.
Novo Nordisk's experimental triple-action obesity drug UBT251 achieved up to 19.7% weight loss in a Phase 2 trial in China, as the company works to regain ground against rival Eli Lilly in the obesity drug market.
