Obesity drug '3rd place war' heats up, from oral medications to muscle-preserving drugs

The global market for obesity treatments is witnessing an intense battle for third place, as major pharmaceutical players vie to challenge the current dominance of Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk.

Companies such as Roche, Pfizer, Amgen, and AstraZeneca are aggressively pursuing various strategies, including advancing drugs into Phase 3 clinical trials, engaging in mergers and acquisitions, and licensing new technologies. This race is characterized by a diversification of approaches, moving beyond the initial focus on GLP-1 based drugs for weight reduction.

Roche, in particular, has intensified the competition by securing global rights to Hanmi Pharmaceutical's next-generation obesity drug candidate, HM17321. This move positions Roche to compete across multiple therapeutic avenues, including those targeting fat reduction while preserving or increasing lean body mass and muscle. HM17321 is a UCN2 analog, distinct from existing incretin-based therapies.

While Lilly leads with its dual GLP-1/GIP agonist tirzepatide and is developing a triple agonist, and Novo Nordisk expands its semaglutide-based offerings, other companies are carving out unique niches. Pfizer is focusing on long-acting injectables and oral treatments, Amgen is developing long-acting candidates, and AstraZeneca is prioritizing oral obesity drugs. This dynamic landscape indicates a significant shift towards more personalized and comprehensive obesity management solutions.