Breakthrough weight loss pills are coming: What’s next in 2025?
As weight-loss options expand, patients looking for easier and more convenient treatments may soon find solutions in new oral weight-loss medications. While injectable options like Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide) have shown remarkable results, they require regular injections, which many find inconvenient. A new generation of oral medications may make it even easier, making weight loss more accessible for people with busy lifestyles or needle aversions.
Here’s what you need to know about the most promising oral weight-loss pills coming up in clinical trials and beyond.
Why oral weight loss medications are in demand
The surge in popularity of weight-loss injectables has driven pharmaceutical companies to explore oral options that offer the same benefits without the need for injections. These new drugs aim to make weight management simpler by providing daily or weekly tablets that tackle obesity in various ways, including by suppressing hunger, reducing cravings or increasing fullness. With the convenience of a pill, these medications could provide a more practical solution for millions seeking sustainable weight-loss treatments.
Promising oral weight loss medications to watch in 2025 and 2026
Each of these new medications brings a unique approach to weight management, with clinical trials showing positive results in both safety and effectiveness.
1. Oral semaglutide
What It Does: Similar to the popular injectable version, oral semaglutide helps manage weight by targeting hunger signals in the brain.
Clinical Results: In a Phase 3 trial, patients taking this once-daily 50 mg tablet saw an average weight loss of 15.1% over 68 weeks, a remarkable improvement over placebo.
Expected Availability: Pending results from additional trials, pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk is planning to submit the pill for FDA approval, bringing this option closer to market.
2. ARD-101 by Aardvark Therapeutics
Unique Feature: Targets hunger using bitter taste receptors, a different pathway from the typical GLP-1 drugs that target appetite.
How It Works: By focusing on hunger, ARD-101 could offer a complementary approach to appetite-suppressing drugs, providing an additive effect when used together.
Clinical Status: Currently in Phase 2 trials, this medication has shown potential for significant weight management support.
3. Orforglipron by Eli Lilly
What It Does: A once-daily GLP-1 receptor agonist similar to Wegovy, but in capsule form.
Early Success: Participants in a Phase 2 study experienced weight reductions of up to 14.7% in just 36 weeks.
Expected Release: If Phase 3 trials go smoothly, Orforglipron could be on the market by 2026.
Additional options on the horizon
VK2735 by Viking Therapeutics
A dual-action drug targeting both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, VK2735 is being tested in both injectable and oral forms. Patients saw body weight reductions ranging up to 5.3% in early trials, making it a promising candidate for broader Phase 2 studies.
AZD5004 by AstraZeneca
Developed in partnership with Eccogene, AZD5004 is a GLP-1 receptor agonist tablet that may be used alone or with other obesity treatments. AstraZeneca is planning Phase 2 trials for this promising drug in 2024.
Ecnoglutide (XW004) by Sciwind Biosciences
In its initial Phase 1 trials, Ecnoglutide achieved weight loss of up to 6.8% in just six weeks. Future studies will test weekly dosing, potentially offering patients an effective, less frequent option.
How these drugs work: The science behind the pills
Each oral weight-loss medication in development leverages different mechanisms to support weight management:
GLP-1 Agonists: These medications mimic hormones that target appetite and fullness, reducing cravings and helping individuals eat less.
Hunger-Specific Agents: Drugs like ARD-101 target bitter taste receptors to reduce hunger, working alongside appetite suppressants for a stronger effect.
Dual Action on Appetite and Insulin: Some drugs stimulate both appetite and insulin pathways, helping manage both hunger and blood sugar for better weight control.
What’s next in oral weight loss treatments?
The development of these oral medications signifies a major step forward in the world of obesity management, offering options that could better fit the needs of busy lifestyles. As clinical trials progress and FDA approvals are sought, patients may soon see a shift from injectable-only weight-loss treatments to these easier-to-manage oral alternatives.
If you’re considering weight-loss treatments, it’s always a good idea to consult with your health care provider about the best options for your specific needs and health goals. New oral medications are on the horizon, and they may soon make weight management more accessible and convenient than ever before.
FAQs
Are oral weight-loss medications as effective as injectables?
Yes, early clinical trials show that several oral medications are achieving weight loss results similar to injectables like Wegovy and Zepbound.
When will these new drugs be available?
Some of these medications are in late-stage trials, with potential releases starting as early as 2025, depending on FDA approval.
Will these medications have side effects?
Like all medications, these drugs can have side effects, which may include nausea or stomach discomfort. Each drug has a unique profile, so it’s essential to discuss potential side effects with a healthcare provider.
Are these medications suitable for everyone?
Eligibility for these drugs will depend on individual health factors, including medical history and current conditions. Your doctor can help determine if a particular medication is right for you.
How do these drugs compare to lifestyle changes for weight loss?
Oral weight-loss medications can be a helpful addition to a healthy diet and exercise routine, but they are not replacements. Many doctors recommend combining medication with lifestyle changes for the best results.
If you’re interested in a weight-loss program and want to schedule a free, 10-minute consultation or an appointment with our obesity medicine board-certified doctor, book one below.
