Obesity Treatment Market Set for Disruption: Next-Gen Drugs Promise Better Results & Competition
Seoul, South Korea – November 4, 2025 – The multi-billion dollar obesity treatment market is bracing for significant change, according to a new report from pharmaceutical market research firm IQVIA. Breaking news indicates that the dominance of current blockbuster drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro could be challenged by a wave of innovative therapies, including multi-agent medications and convenient oral options. This shift promises not only increased efficacy but also a more competitive landscape, potentially lowering costs and expanding access for millions.
Beyond Wegovy & Mounjaro: The Rise of Multi-Agent Drugs
For the past year, Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy and Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro have commanded a staggering 96% of the global obesity treatment market. These GLP-1 based therapies have demonstrated impressive weight loss results, with Wegovy becoming the market leader in just three quarters after its launch. However, their success hasn’t been without hurdles. Supply shortages, high price tags (ranging from $500 to $1,000 per month), and concerns about muscle loss have created unmet needs that are now driving innovation.
IQVIA’s report highlights the potential of “multi-agent” drugs – medications designed to target multiple pathways simultaneously. Boehringer Ingelheim’s Servodutide and Altimmune’s Pembidutide are leading the charge, both targeting GLP-1 and glucagon receptors. This dual action is particularly exciting because glucagon promotes fat breakdown and can improve fatty liver disease, addressing a common comorbidity of obesity. Eli Lilly’s Retatrutide, currently in development, takes this approach even further, stimulating three receptors – GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon – for potentially even greater impact.
The Pill Revolution: Oral Obesity Medications on the Horizon
While injectables currently dominate the market, the development of effective oral obesity medications could be a “game changer.” Novo Nordisk is progressing with a high-dose oral semaglutide, and Eli Lilly’s oral small molecule GLP-1 agonist, orfogliprone, has shown promising results in Phase 3 clinical trials. Even Korean pharmaceutical company Ildong Pharmaceutical is in the mix, with its ID110521156 oral pill demonstrating weight loss effects in early clinical trials. The convenience of a pill could significantly improve patient adherence and expand treatment access.
Preserving Muscle Mass: A Key Focus for Next-Generation Therapies
One of the biggest concerns with existing GLP-1 agonists is the potential for muscle loss during weight loss. This is where the next generation of drugs is aiming to differentiate themselves. Pembidutide, for example, has shown a significantly lower rate of muscle loss (21.9%) compared to semaglutide (39-45%). Hanmi Pharmaceutical is also developing HM17321, a drug specifically designed to increase muscle mass while selectively reducing fat. This focus on body composition is crucial for long-term health and well-being.
Durability & Accessibility: Challenges Remain
IQVIA’s report doesn’t shy away from the challenges ahead. Treatment durability remains a significant issue, with continuation rates for GLP-1 agonists after one year ranging from just 10-30%. Furthermore, clinical trials need to be tailored to the specific characteristics of different patient populations, and a reasonable pricing policy is essential to ensure widespread access. While the market is currently dominated by pharmaceutical giants, IQVIA believes that continued innovation creates opportunities for new players to emerge.
The obesity treatment landscape is rapidly evolving, and these developments signal a new era of hope for the millions worldwide struggling with this complex condition. As research continues and new therapies come to market, the future of weight management looks brighter than ever. Stay tuned to archyde.com for the latest updates and in-depth analysis of this critical healthcare sector.
