Obesity Drug Pipeline Analysis Report 2025

Obesity is a long-term condition marked by an excessive accumulation of body fat, heightening the risk of multiple health issues. As reported by the World Health Organization, over 1 billion individuals worldwide were affected by obesity in 2022, highlighting its substantial impact on global health. The increasing prevalence of obesity has spurred efforts to develop more effective treatments and innovative drug candidates. Progress in obesity therapies, especially those focusing on appetite control and metabolic pathways, is contributing to market expansion. Ongoing research funding, supportive regulations, and rising demand for effective solutions are expected to further drive therapeutic advancements.

Key Takeaways

• Emerging drug candidates are exploring novel targets, such as dual and triple agonists, that regulate appetite and energy balance, offering improved weight loss outcomes and better metabolic control.
• Increased investment from pharmaceutical companies and support from global regulatory agencies are accelerating the development and approval of obesity therapies with more favourable safety and efficacy profiles.
• The pipeline reflects a shift towards more tailored treatment approaches based on patient profiles, genetic factors, and co-existing conditions, enhancing long-term treatment success.

Report Coverage

The Obesity Drug Pipeline Analysis Report 2025 provides an in-depth overview of recent advancements and ongoing clinical trials aimed at improving obesity treatment and prevention. The report explores the development of novel therapies for obesity, including next-generation biologics, immunomodulators, and targeted treatments aimed at improving immune response and managing disease progression. It also evaluates innovative treatment strategies, industry collaborations, and regulatory advancements, highlighting efforts to accelerate the development of safe and effective therapies for the management and potential eradication of obesity.

Obesity Drug Pipeline Outlook

Obesity is a chronic metabolic condition marked by excessive accumulation of body fat, which increases the risk of numerous health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. It results from an imbalance between calorie intake and expenditure. Influenced by genetic, behavioural, and environmental factors, obesity significantly impacts quality of life and has become a global public health concern.

Obesity - Pipeline Drug Profiles

Recent developments in treating obesity have introduced several promising drugs currently in clinical trials, reflecting significant advancements in the field.

• Drug:

IBI362

IBI362 is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucagon receptor dual agonist under development for treating obesity. By targeting both receptors, it aims to improve glucose metabolism and promote weight loss. Early trials suggest favourable safety and efficacy profiles, supporting its potential in long-term obesity management.

• Drug:

Petrelintide

Petrelintide is an investigational amylin analogue designed to regulate appetite and energy balance in individuals with obesity. It mimics the natural hormone amylin to slow gastric emptying and enhance satiety. Preclinical and early clinical data indicate its promise as a novel approach for managing obesity-related weight gain.

Drug Pipeline Therapeutic Assessment

This section of the report covers the analysis of obesity based on various segmentations such as:

Analysis by Route of Administration

• Oral

Oral formulations in the obesity drug pipeline are gaining attention due to improved patient convenience and compliance. These therapies often target appetite regulation, glucose control, and fat absorption through mechanisms like GLP-1 agonism or lipase inhibition. Oral drugs are well suited for chronic administration and may significantly enhance accessibility and long-term adherence.

• Parenteral

Parenteral obesity treatments, especially injectable GLP-1 receptor agonists and dual/triple hormone agonists, are widely explored for their efficacy in inducing weight loss. These drugs offer targeted and potent action with long duration. While injections may reduce convenience, their clinical effectiveness continues to drive interest and development in this segment.

• Other

Other routes of administration, such as transdermal patches or intranasal delivery, are being explored to improve comfort and compliance in obesity therapy. These novel methods aim to provide sustained drug release, reduce gastrointestinal side effects, and improve bioavailability, making them promising alternatives in future obesity drug development.

Analysis by Phase

The report covers phase I, phase II, phase III, phase IV, and early phase drugs. The coverage includes an in-depth analysis of each drug across these phases. According to EMR analysis, phase II covers a major share of the total obesity clinical trials.

Preclinical Phase:

Laboratory and animal studies to assess safety and efficacy.

1. Phase I:

Small-scale human trials focusing on safety and dosage.

2. Phase II:

Larger trials to evaluate efficacy and side effects.

3. Phase III:

Large-scale trials to confirm effectiveness, monitor side effects, and compare with standard treatments.

4. Phase IV:

Post-marketing studies to gather more information on risks, benefits, and optimal use.

Analysis by Drug Class

• Peptides

Peptide-based therapies form a key component of the obesity drug pipeline, particularly GLP-1 receptor agonists. These biologically active compounds mimic natural hormones to regulate appetite and glucose levels. Their high specificity and efficacy in inducing weight loss make peptides an attractive class, with multiple candidates in late-stage development.

• Small Molecules

Small molecules are being developed for obesity due to their oral bioavailability and ease of manufacturing. These drugs often act on central pathways regulating hunger and metabolism. Their compact structure allows for targeted action with potential for combination therapies, offering scalable and accessible treatment options.

• Monoclonal Antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies in obesity therapy are being explored for their ability to modulate immune or hormonal responses linked to metabolism. Though still in early stages, they hold promise for targeting novel pathways with high specificity and longer half-lives, potentially transforming long-term management of obesity-related inflammation or endocrine dysfunction.

• RNA-Based Therapies

RNA-based therapies aim to modulate gene expression involved in metabolic pathways. These include mRNA and siRNA treatments designed to influence fat storage, thermogenesis, and appetite signals. Still largely experimental, RNA-based approaches offer precise, gene-targeted mechanisms and represent a frontier in personalised obesity medicine.

• Gene Therapies

Gene therapies in obesity research focus on correcting or silencing genes responsible for excessive weight gain and metabolic dysfunction. While this area is in early preclinical phases, the potential for long-term correction of genetic predisposition to obesity presents a transformative opportunity for future treatment strategies.

• Others

Other therapeutic classes include microbiome modulators, enzyme inhibitors, and combination biologics. These diverse candidates explore innovative mechanisms such as altering gut flora, modulating energy expenditure, or targeting satiety hormones. As the field expands, such alternatives may complement conventional therapies and personalise treatment across patient populations.

Obesity Clinical Trials Assessment- Competitive Dynamics

Here are a few notable participants involved in obesity research and development:

• Pfizer:

Pfizer is a leading global pharmaceutical company actively involved in obesity drug development. The company leverages its research expertise to explore small molecules and metabolic modulators targeting appetite and energy regulation. Pfizer’s commitment to innovative therapeutics is reflected in its efforts to address obesity as a chronic, complex metabolic condition.

• Eli Lilly and Company:

Eli Lilly and Company is a key player in obesity therapeutics, known for its GLP-1 receptor agonist developments such as Tirzepatide. The company focuses on hormone-based treatments that aid in weight loss and glycaemic control. Lilly's obesity pipeline is supported by robust clinical trials and aims to improve long-term cardiometabolic outcomes.

• Hanmi Pharmaceutical Company Limited:

Hanmi Pharmaceutical is a South Korea-based biopharmaceutical firm developing novel biologics and long-acting peptides for obesity and metabolic diseases. The company focuses on innovative mechanisms such as GLP-1 and oxyntomodulin analogues. Hanmi’s research strategy is driven by proprietary platform technologies aimed at sustained efficacy and reduced dosing frequency.

• Guangdong Raynovent Biotech Co., Ltd.:

Guangdong Raynovent Biotech Co., Ltd. is a Chinese biotechnology company advancing obesity therapeutics through its focus on metabolic and endocrine targets. The firm integrates cutting-edge drug discovery platforms to develop novel compounds addressing energy balance and fat accumulation, positioning itself as an emerging player in the global obesity drug pipeline.

Other key players in the market include Innovent Biologics (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Leeuwenhoek Laboratories Co. Ltd., Palatin Technologies, Inc., Novo Nordisk A/S, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Boehringer Ingelheim, Skye Bioscience, Inc., and Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals.

Reasons To Purchase This Report

The obesity pipeline analysis report provides essential insights into the latest developments and future trends in the treatment of Obesity. It includes comprehensive evaluations of emerging therapies, an in-depth pipeline assessment, and a thorough competitive landscape analysis, empowering informed investment decisions and effective strategic planning.

Key Questions Answered in the Obesity Pipeline Analysis Report

1. What are the latest advancements in obesity therapies?
2. Which companies are leading the obesity drug pipeline?
3. What are the key drug classes in obesity treatment?
4. What are the regulatory trends influencing obesity drug development?
5. How do emerging therapies impact obesity patient outcomes?
6. What are the market drivers for obesity therapies?
7. What challenges do companies face in developing obesity drugs?
8. How do industry collaborations accelerate obesity drug development?
9. Which treatments are expected to emerge in the obesity pipeline?
10. What are the competitive dynamics in the obesity market?