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Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report
Published on: May 30, 2025
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Novel GLP-1-based Medications for Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity
Jang Won Son1, Carel W le Roux2, Matthias Blüher3
1Department of Internal Medicine, Bucheon St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, South Korea.
Endocrine Reviews
|October 7, 2025
Summary
Novel GLP-1 based therapeutics targeting multiple hormone receptors, including GIP and glucagon, are advancing rapidly. Oral small-molecule agonists also offer new, patient-friendly options for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Diseases
Background:
- Semaglutide and tirzepatide have established new standards for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity.
- Next-generation therapeutics build upon GLP-1 receptor agonism, engaging additional gastro-entero-pancreatic hormones.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms, clinical development, and therapeutic potential of novel GLP-1-based agents.
- To explore multi-receptor agonists and oral small-molecule therapies for obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Main Methods:
- Review of current scientific literature on emerging GLP-1-based therapeutics.
- Analysis of mechanisms of action, clinical trial data, and therapeutic implications.
- Exclusion of already approved drugs like liraglutide, semaglutide, and tirzepatide.
Main Results:
- Multi-receptor agonists (targeting GLP-1, GIP, glucagon, amylin, PYY) show enhanced efficacy in weight loss and glycemic control.
- Agents like maridebart cafraglutide (GLP-1R agonism/GIPR antagonism), survodutide, mazdutide, CagriSema, and retatrutide demonstrate significant metabolic benefits.
- Orally active small-molecule GLP-1 receptor agonists (danuglipron, orforglipron) offer improved drug delivery and patient compliance.
Conclusions:
- Novel GLP-1-based therapies, including multi-agonist and oral small-molecule approaches, hold significant promise for advancing obesity and type 2 diabetes treatment.
- These next-generation agents may offer more effective and better-tolerated therapeutic options, potentially reshaping the treatment landscape.
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