New Obesity Drugs in 2024

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First, there was semaglutide, known as Ozempic and later as Wegovy, a weight loss wonder that outshone its predecessors. Then, enter tirzepatide, making waves under the names Mounjaro and Zepbound, proving even more effective than semaglutide with fewer potential side effects.

In the past few years, the weight loss drug industry has witnessed remarkable advancements, surpassing the progress of the previous decades. And the excitement continues with upcoming releases in 2024 and onwards. Let’s dive into the latest potential weight loss medications that might soon grace the market.

Current GLP-1 Agonists

tirzepatide-vs-semaglutide — Mounjaro vs Zepbound vs Ozempic vs Wegovy.

As of now, only two drugs, semaglutide and tirzepatide, have received approval under various brand names. However, several others are in the pipeline, undergoing different stages of development. When a new drug is discovered, it undergoes a rigorous testing process involving three phases before hitting the market.

During Phase 1 clinical trials, researchers explore the drug’s safety, potential side effects, and determine the appropriate dosage. In Phase 2, the study expands to include patients with the targeted condition, evaluating the drug’s effectiveness and gathering more safety data. The final phase, Phase 3, involves a diverse group of patients to assess the drug’s overall efficacy. Researchers closely monitor potential side effects and compare the new drug to existing ones. Following these phases, regulatory authorities meticulously review all findings. If the drug meets the criteria, it receives approval for public release.

New and Improved GLP-1 Agonists

new-obesity-drugs-2024 — New obesity drugs in development in 2024.

CagriSema – A Powerful Duo

Meet CagriSema, a dynamic combination of semaglutide and cagrilintide. Cagrilintide, an amylin analog, slows down digestion and boosts fullness, curbing food intake. In Phase 2 trials, CagriSema showcased an impressive 15.6% average weight reduction at 32 weeks. While this may seem comparable to semaglutide’s 16% solo achievement, it’s worth noting that CagriSema didn’t involve any specific dietary or lifestyle changes. Keep an eye out for the results of the ongoing REDEFINE Phase 3 trials, though; approval might be a few years away.

Orforglipron – The Once-a-Day Pill

Enter Orforglipron, a standout GLP-1 pill taken once a day. In Phase 2 trials, participants experienced up to a 14.7% body weight reduction at 36 weeks. With the ATTAIN Phase 3 trials underway, approval could be on the horizon in the next few years.

Danuglipron, another GLP-1 pill in development, achieved a noteworthy 10% weight loss. However, tolerability issues led to more than half of the patients discontinuing treatment, and the development of the twice-daily version was halted.

Retatrutide – Triple Threat Agonist

Meet Retatrutide, a triple receptor agonist targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors. In Phase 3 trials, it has shown the highest total weight loss among new medications, with some patients losing a staggering 30% of their weight in 48 weeks. The average weight loss of 24% is still impressive. Keep an eye on the ongoing TRIUMPH series of trials.

Survodutide – Dual Receptor Wonder

Survodutide, a dual receptor agonist targeting GLP-1 and glucagon receptors, displayed an average weight reduction of 14.9% over 46 weeks. Stay tuned for the upcoming Phase 3 SYNCHRONIZE trials.

AMG133 – Monthly Marvel

AMG133 stands out as a dual receptor agonist targeting GLP-1 and GIP. What makes it unique is its monthly administration, unlike other weekly injections. In Phase 1 trials, patients using AMG133 experienced an average weight reduction of 14.5% at 12 weeks. While Phase 3 trials are yet to begin, keep an eye out for this monthly marvel in the years to come.

Pemvidutide – A Promising Prospect

Pemvidutide, a dual receptor agonist targeting GLP-1 and glucagon receptors, led to an 11% body weight loss over 48 weeks. Notably, it shows promise for treating fatty liver disease, although it’s currently in Phase 2 trials.

New Brands of Semaglutide

Currently, there are three well-known brands of semaglutide, and an intriguing fourth one is on the horizon.

Comparing different forms of semaglutide (ozempic vs rybelsus vs wegovy) — Comparing different forms of semaglutide.

This upcoming addition is in the final testing phases and is poised to be among the first wave of new medications hitting the market. It’s worth noting that, despite being technically the same drug as the existing three, this new brand brings something fresh to the table.

What sets these brands apart is the way they are administered. Ozempic and Wegovy come in the form of injections, while Rybelsus and the forthcoming semaglutide variant in development are designed as pills. Additionally, Rybelsus and Ozempic are specifically tailored for diabetes management, while the new semaglutide pill and Wegovy are crafted with a focus on aiding weight loss.

Targeting New Receptors

In the realm of weight loss medications, there’s a new wave of options that go beyond the well-known semaglutide. These medications are engineered to influence receptors beyond GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1), a crucial player in the weight loss process.

GLP-1 works wonders by boosting insulin secretion, regulating blood sugar levels, and slowing down digestion. This dynamic combination not only promotes a sense of fullness but also helps control hunger. It even plays a role in enhancing feelings of fullness in the brain. It’s like giving your body the tools it needs to naturally manage weight.

Now, let’s meet GIP (Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide), another player in the weight loss game. GIP contributes to weight loss by ramping up insulin production and slowing down digestion. It throws another punch by decreasing stomach acid secretions, making digestion more challenging. Plus, it pulls a neat trick by stimulating a sense of fullness in the hypothalamus, making it a valuable ally in the weight loss journey.

But things get interesting when we introduce the glucagon receptor, a target for drugs like retatrutide and survodutide. Unlike the other two receptors, stimulating the glucagon receptor has a thermogenic effect, boosting the body’s ability to burn energy. However, it’s a bit of a double-edged sword. This receptor also triggers the breakdown of liver glycogen and increases blood sugar levels, potentially posing challenges for weight loss and impacting diabetes negatively.

The key is that the drugs targeting the glucagon receptor also have their sights set on the GLP-1 or GIP receptor. It’s like they’re taking a team approach, balancing out the potential drawbacks of the glucagon receptor and leading to more positive overall outcomes for weight loss.

New Mechanisms of Action

One common challenge in weight loss journeys is the potential loss of muscle mass that often accompanies significant fat reduction. The exciting news is that upcoming medications are turning the page with a fresh focus on preventing muscle loss. These drugs are anticipated to complement existing weight loss strategies, promoting fat loss while safeguarding precious lean muscle.

Meet Bimagrumab, a standout contender in this new category. It’s an antibody that zeroes in on the activin type II receptor in skeletal muscles, working to minimize muscle loss. Initially explored for conditions related to muscle loss, such as sarcopenia, Bimagrumab demonstrated unexpected promise in a Phase 2 trial with overweight individuals dealing with type 2 diabetes. Over a 48-week period, it achieved a remarkable 20.5% reduction in fat mass. While the overall weight loss was 6.5%, what truly turned heads was the impressive 3.6% increase in lean muscle mass. This unique ability to trim fat while promoting lean muscle makes Bimagrumab a potential game-changer in supporting weight loss.

Another rising star on the horizon is Taldefgrobep. Initially developed to enhance muscle mass and strength in individuals with spinal muscular atrophy, this protein has a specific target: myostatin, a natural inhibitor of skeletal muscle growth. Though Taldefgrobep is still in the experimental stages, a planned Phase 2 study in 2024 aims to explore its effectiveness for obesity.

In the dynamic world of weight loss medications, the emergence of these new drugs and their innovative mechanisms signals a promising shift towards more effective and nuanced approaches. The landscape is evolving rapidly, and I can’t help but be intrigued by the exciting possibilities on the horizon for weight loss in 2024. Stay tuned for updates on these groundbreaking developments!

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