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.
Altimmune's pemvidutide received FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation for MASH treatment, with Phase 3 trial initiation planned for 2026. The company raised $75 million in January 2026 to fund development.
New research reveals GLP-1 receptor agonists reduce substance use disorders by 14%, lower Parkinson's disease risk after 5-10 years of use, and cut endometrial cancer risk by 66% when combined with progestin therapy.
A large study of over 600,000 U.S. veterans with type 2 diabetes found GLP-1 medications reduced the risk of developing substance use disorders by 14% and cut drug-related deaths by 50% in those with existing addiction.
Amgen, Celltrion, and Palatin Technologies are advancing obesity drug candidates through clinical development, with trials planned for 2026-2028 targeting liver fat reduction, multiple biological pathways, and rare genetic obesity conditions.
Eli Lilly's oral GLP-1 drug orforglipron demonstrated 6-8% weight loss in type 2 diabetes patients compared to 4-5% with oral semaglutide in a phase 3 trial, though discontinuation rates were higher due to gastrointestinal side effects.
The European Commission has authorized a new 7.2 mg once-weekly dose of Wegovy (semaglutide) for adults with obesity across all 27 EU member states, following positive opinion from the EMA's scientific committee in December 2025.
Semaglutide and other GLP-1 receptor agonists demonstrate substantial weight loss effectiveness through appetite regulation and blood sugar control, with clinical studies showing average reductions of 14.9% to 20.9% body weight.
The FDA will consider revoking safety exemptions for ultra-processed foods including corn syrup, while retatrutide, a triple-receptor weight loss drug, advances through phase three clinical trials without yet receiving regulatory approval.
Clinical studies demonstrate GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide and tirzepatide produce substantial weight loss when combined with lifestyle changes, with patients achieving mean reductions of 14.9% body weight over 68 weeks.
