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.
Abstract:
Obesity is a heterogeneous, complex, and chronic disease that has a detrimental impact on disability-adjusted life years across the globe. Recent advancements in our understanding of gut-brain communication at the molecular level have driven the development of next-generation anti-obesity medications (AOMs). Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1RAs) remain the front-runners in this rapidly evolving landscape of hormone-based AOMs. Two GLP1RAs, namely Liraglutide and Semaglutide, have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicine Agency (EMA) for use in clinical practice for weight loss. Three oral GLP1RAs, namely Semaglutide, Danuglipron, and Orforglipron, are undergoing advanced clinical trials in individuals with obesity. Amylin receptor agonist (AMYRA) Cagrilintide, when used alone or in combination with Semaglutide, has demonstrated substantial weight reduction in clinical trials. Tirzepatide, a dual agonist for the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and GLP-1 receptors, has been observed to be associated with a significant placebo-subtracted weight reduction of 17.8% in a 72-week randomized controlled trial. Novel approaches targeting glucagon signalling have also yielded promising preliminary results. Three long-acting GLP1R/glucagon receptor (GCGR) dual agonists, namely Survodutide, Mazdutide, and Pemvidutide, exhibited significant weight loss in clinical trials. Retatrutide, a GLP1R/GCGR/GIPR tri-agonist, has been associated with a placebo-subtracted weight reduction of -22.1% in a 48-week phase-II trial. As a note of caution, long-term data on such medications' safety and cardiovascular benefits is yet to be ascertained. Our review provides a comprehensive overview of the approved and emerging hormone-based AOMs, highlighting the diversity of options that might become available in the near future.
Insights
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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