New Obesity Treatments – Including ‘Eating Maunjaro’ – Poised for Launch in 2025
A surge of innovative obesity treatments, from established pharmaceutical giants to emerging Korean companies, are expected to reach the market next year, offering new hope for individuals struggling with weight management. The anticipated influx of drugs, including higher doses of existing medications and novel formulations, signals a significant shift in the approach to tackling the global obesity epidemic.
Eli Lilly Leads the Charge with Oral and High-Dose Options
American pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly is at the forefront of this wave, preparing to introduce opogliprone, an oral obesity treatment often referred to as “eating Maunjaro,” to the domestic market in 2025. This glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medication is designed for once-daily administration. According to a company release, Eli Lilly plans to submit its application for approval to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before the end of this year, with a typical approval timeline of one to two months through the agency’s rapid approval system.
The company has already secured sufficient quantities of the drug in anticipation of a swift launch following FDA clearance. “Domestic sales are expected to accelerate quickly given the quantities already secured,” noted one industry analyst. Lilly Korea is reportedly in discussions with Eli Lilly to expedite the introduction of opogliprone.
Beyond the oral formulation, Eli Lilly also intends to release higher-dose versions of Maunjaro – 12.5 mg and 15 mg – in Korea during the first half of 2025. These increased dosages are projected to deliver even more substantial weight loss results.
Novo Nordisk Advances Wegovy Pipeline
Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Wegovy, is also actively expanding its obesity treatment portfolio. The company is currently developing a once-daily obesity medication awaiting FDA approval, with a projected market launch in 2025. Furthermore, Novo Nordisk applied for FDA approval last month for a 7.2㎎ high-dose formulation of Wegovy, building upon the currently approved 2.4 mg dose for weight management. Approval is anticipated by the end of this year or early 2025.
Korean Pharmaceutical Companies Enter the Fray
The advancements aren’t limited to international players. A new obesity treatment developed by Korean pharmaceutical company Hanmi Pharmaceutical, named efpeglenatide, is slated for launch in the second half of 2025. Interim topline results from phase 3 clinical trials demonstrated a weight loss effect of up to 30%, representing a significant breakthrough. Topline results refer to key indicators released prior to the announcement of final clinical results.
Celltrion Pursues Quadruple-Action Therapy
Adding another layer to the evolving landscape, Celltrion Chairman Seo Jeong-jin recently unveiled plans to develop a quadruple-action obesity treatment. This innovative approach aims to maximize weight loss by simultaneously activating four metabolic and hormonal receptors with a single drug.
The coming year promises a transformative period for obesity treatment, with a diverse range of options poised to become available, potentially reshaping the future of weight management for millions.
