Thread
Every major developer is chasing a better GLP-1 based medicine: stronger, longer-acting, oral or combined with a second hormone.
The open questionWho ends up with the most weight loss, the fewest side effects and the easiest dosing?
This thread follows the contest to build the next GLP-1 based medicine, from injections given once a week to pills and to combinations with a second hormone such as amylin or glucagon. The spine below puts every story in filing order, with the months between them, so the pace of the race is visible at a glance. Read it from the top for the history, or from the bottom for the latest move.
UrgentTRLStart
Topline REDEFINE 1 results: 22.7% average weight loss on CagriSema at 68 weeks, versus 2.3% on placebo, under the "as if adherent" analysis.
22.7% average weight loss after 68 weeks, if every participant had stayed on treatment
RoutineIND+3 mo
Roche and Zealand Pharma will jointly develop petrelintide, alone and in combination with Roche's own incretin candidate, with $1.65bn paid upfront.
$1.65bn upfront cash in a deal worth up to about $5.3bn
FlashTRL+2 mo
Full SURMOUNT-5 results: tirzepatide 20.2% versus semaglutide 13.7% average weight loss at 72 weeks in adults with obesity and no diabetes.
20.2% average weight loss on tirzepatide vs 13.7% on semaglutide after 72 weeks
RoutineTRL+3 mo
ATTAIN-1: once-daily oral orforglipron produced 12.4% average weight loss at 72 weeks on the highest dose, versus about 1% on placebo.
12.4% average weight loss on the top dose of orforglipron after 72 weeks
FlashTRL+4 mo
TRIUMPH-4 topline: 28.7% average weight loss at 68 weeks on 12 mg retatrutide in adults with obesity and knee osteoarthritis, plus large drops in knee pain scores.
28.7% average weight loss on the highest dose after 68 weeks
UrgentREG+0 mo
FDA approved a once-daily 25 mg semaglutide tablet (oral Wegovy) for chronic weight management and to reduce cardiovascular risk in eligible adults.
25 mg once-daily semaglutide tablet, swallowed with a sip of water before food