Here are the dozens of weight loss drugs in development to catch a booming market

By Elaine Chen , Allison DeAngelis , and J. Emory Parker

Sept. 12, 2023

Updated on Feb. 26, 2024; see related article here.

The blazing success of weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro has electrified the pursuit of new treatments for obesity. For now, Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are leading the market with injectable drugs that target receptors of the GLP-1 hormone to mimic the hormone’s effects of helping people feel full. But dozens of companies are also jumping into the race, seeing the potential to make millions of dollars if they can bring to market medications that are oral, longer-lasting, avoid side effects, or provide additional benefits besides weight loss.

Many of these drugs are also targeting receptors of GLP-1, as well as other hormones involved in satiety and metabolism, but some are using entirely novel mechanisms.

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About the Authors

Elaine Chen

Cardiovascular Disease Reporter

Elaine Chen is a cardiovascular disease reporter at STAT, covering all aspects of heart and metabolic conditions including diabetes and obesity.

[email protected]

@elaineywchen

Allison DeAngelis

Biotech Startups and Venture Capital Reporter

Allison DeAngelis is the East Coast biotech and venture capital reporter at STAT, reporting where scientific ideas and money meet. She is also co-host of the weekly biotech podcast, The Readout Loud.

[email protected]

@ADeAngelis_bio