The obesity market has been a major player in the pharmaceutical industry in 2024, with GLP-1 medications from Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly emerging as some of the top-selling drugs of the year. The effectiveness and popularity of these medications have created a thriving market for weight loss therapies. Analysts predict that the obesity market could reach a value of hundreds of billions of dollars in the coming years, attracting both small biotechs and large pharmaceutical companies to develop new treatments.
While currently only two companies have blockbuster obesity medications approved in the GLP-1 space, more players are expected to enter the market soon. Here are some upcoming obesity trial readouts to keep an eye on in 2025.
Metsera:
Metsera, a New York-based biotech company, is developing MET-097i, an ultra-long-acting injectable GLP-1 drug candidate. In a phase 2a study, participants experienced significant weight loss, with some individuals losing up to 20% of their body weight. The company is aiming to develop MET-097i into a monthly injection for greater convenience. Metsera expects to release topline data from a phase 2b study of MET-097i in mid-2025.
Skye Bioscience:
Skye Bioscience is conducting a phase 2 trial for nimacimab, a cannabinoid receptor 1 inhibitor designed to promote weight loss in obese patients. The drug candidate is being studied on its own and in combination with Novo Nordisk’s GLP-1 drug, Wegovy. Skye aims to provide alternative mechanisms of action for weight loss beyond current GLP-1 and GIP drugs. The company expects to release interim data from the trial in the second quarter of 2025.
Eli Lilly:
Eli Lilly, a leader in the obesity market, is investigating orforglipron, an oral GLP-1 drug candidate. The company is in late-stage testing for an obesity indication of the daily oral pill. Lilly’s phase 3 study of orforglipron with 1,500 participants is set to conclude in August 2025, with data expected shortly after. An oral option could offer advantages such as lower cost and ease of use, positioning Lilly as a key player in the competitive market.
As the obesity market continues to grow, new entrants are striving to develop innovative treatments to address the global epidemic of obesity. With promising trial readouts on the horizon, the landscape of weight loss therapies is set to evolve in the coming years. the perspective of a travel enthusiast who has just returned from a trip to a remote village in the mountains:
As a travel enthusiast, I have always sought out unique and off-the-beaten-path destinations to explore. My recent trip to a remote village nestled in the mountains was one of the most unforgettable experiences I have ever had. The journey to this hidden gem was not easy, but the rewards were more than worth it.
The village was located at the end of a winding mountain road, far away from the hustle and bustle of city life. As I arrived, I was greeted by breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and lush green valleys. The air was crisp and clean, and the silence was deafening compared to the constant noise of urban living.
The villagers were warm and welcoming, eager to share their way of life with me. I stayed in a traditional wooden house, complete with a thatched roof and simple furnishings. The villagers cooked me delicious meals using ingredients sourced from their own gardens and livestock. I learned about their customs and traditions, which have been passed down for generations.
One of the highlights of my trip was hiking through the surrounding mountains. The trails were rugged and challenging, but the scenery was absolutely stunning. I crossed crystal clear streams, passed by cascading waterfalls, and marveled at the diverse flora and fauna that called this place home. The solitude and peace I found in the mountains were unlike anything I had ever experienced before.
In the evenings, I sat around a crackling fire with the villagers, listening to their stories and songs. We shared laughter and camaraderie, despite our differences in language and culture. I felt a deep sense of connection to these people and their way of life, and I was grateful for the opportunity to learn from them.
Leaving the village was bittersweet. I was sad to say goodbye to the friends I had made and the beauty of the mountains, but I left with a renewed sense of wonder and appreciation for the world around me. The experience had changed me in ways I could not fully articulate, but I knew that I would carry the memories of my time in the remote village with me forever.
In a world that is increasingly connected and homogenized, it is rare to find places that still retain their authenticity and sense of place. My trip to the remote village in the mountains was a reminder of the importance of preserving these hidden gems and the beauty of diversity in our world. I will cherish the memories of my time there and hope to return someday to reconnect with the people and the land that captured my heart.
