The next generation of weight loss treatments promises to be more effective, convenient, and accessible, building on the success of Wegovy and addressing its limitations.
The world of weight loss treatments has been energized by the success of Wegovy, a drug that has shown remarkable results in helping people lose weight since its launch in 2021. Wegovy works by mimicking the hormone glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), which helps control appetite and prolongs the feeling of fullness. Despite its effectiveness, Wegovy has some drawbacks, including high costs, the need for injections and side effects like nausea. Additionally, weight regain after medication discontinuation remains a challenge.
New contenders like Mounjaro, developed by Eli Lilly, combine GLP-1 with another incretin, the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), showing even greater potential for weight loss. Early studies indicate that Mounjaro might surpass Wegovy in effectiveness. Researchers are also exploring drug combinations that target multiple pathways related to appetite and metabolism, such as Amgen’s drug, an antibody which combines GLP-1 agonism with a GIP antagonism.
Innovative approaches include developing oral versions of GLP-1 drugs by companies like Novo Nordisk and Pfizer, which could eliminate the need for injections. Other treatments focus on boosting natural gastrointestinal hormones to suppress appetite or combining weight loss with muscle building, like the drug being developed by Versanis Bio, which increases muscle mass alongside fat loss.
The novelty of these new treatments lies in their multi-targeted approaches and enhanced convenience. These new drugs combine different hormones and pathways to provide more comprehensive weight-loss treatment options. Pills rather than injectable solutions could significantly improve patient compliance and accessibility. Additionally, the emphasis on muscle building addresses not only weight loss but also overall metabolic health, offering a more holistic approach to obesity treatment.
These developments represent a significant advance in weight loss treatments. By learning from past challenges and using advanced screening methods, researchers have created safer and more effective therapies. The shift toward combined treatments and innovative delivery methods reflects a deeper understanding of the complex mechanisms underlying obesity. These new strategies can provide more sustainable and long-term weight loss solutions, thereby making a substantial impact on global obesity rates and improving the quality of life of millions of people.
By Silvia Giatti, Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano
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