Approved and Emerging Hormone-Based Anti-Obesity Medications: A Review Article.
Wael R Sidrak1, Sanjay Kalra2, Atul Kalhan3
1Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Abou-Seifein Diabetes and Endocrine Center, Cairo, Egypt.
Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism
|December 16, 2024
Summary
Next-generation anti-obesity medications (AOMs) targeting gut-brain communication, particularly glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1RAs), show significant weight reduction. Emerging hormone-based AOMs offer diverse options, but long-term safety data is pending.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
- Metabolic Diseases
Background:
- Obesity is a complex, chronic disease with global health implications.
- Advancements in understanding gut-brain signaling have spurred the development of novel anti-obesity medications (AOMs).
- Hormone-based AOMs, particularly those targeting the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP1R), are at the forefront of treatment innovation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of approved and emerging hormone-based AOMs.
- To highlight the molecular mechanisms and clinical efficacy of current and investigational AOMs.
- To discuss the potential future landscape of obesity pharmacotherapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical trial data for approved and investigational AOMs.
- Analysis of medications targeting GLP1R, amylin receptors, and dual/tri-agonist pathways.
- Synthesis of information on weight reduction efficacy and mechanisms of action.
Main Results:
- Approved GLP1 receptor agonists (GLP1RAs) like Liraglutide and Semaglutide are established treatments.
- Emerging agents including oral GLP1RAs (Semaglutide, Danuglipron, Orforglipron), amylin receptor agonists (Cagrilintide), dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists (Tirzepatide), and GLP1R/GCGR dual agonists (Survodutide, Mazdutide, Pemvidutide) show significant weight loss.
- A GLP1R/GCGR/GIPR tri-agonist (Retatrutide) demonstrated substantial weight reduction in Phase II trials.
Conclusions:
- A diverse array of hormone-based AOMs are in development, offering promising therapeutic options for obesity.
- GLP1RAs and multi-agonist therapies represent a significant advancement in obesity pharmacotherapy.
- Further research is required to ascertain the long-term safety and cardiovascular benefits of these novel medications.
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