Next generation weight loss drugs: what you need to know

Robert Price | Last update: 6th July 2025

Where are we now?

The current generation of GLP-1-based treatments work by mimicking hormones that help regulate appetite and digestion. They are all prescription medications and have been approved by MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) the UK’s regulator. 

The main treatments, and most regularly prescribed, that have been approved for weight loss are:

• Wegovy (semaglutide, made by Novo Nordisk) which requires a weekly injection
• Mounjaro (tirzepatide, by Eli Lilly) – also a weekly injection

These drugs are prescribed by NHS and private doctors and online pharmacies and weight loss services. For more information on how to get the drugs read our guide.  

The most publicised and well-known drug is Ozempic (semaglutide, made by Novo Nordisk) but this is not licensed for use for weight loss and is mainly prescribed for type 2 diabetes, but often used off-label for weight loss.

They reduce appetite by slowing digestion and sending “I’m full” signals to the brain – find out more. But they come with some drawbacks. Most notably, they must be injected weekly and need to be refrigerated, making them trickier to store and travel with.

Pills instead of injections

There’s two daily pill weight loss treatments in the later stages of development:

Orforglipron (Eli Lilly)

A daily pill that could replace injections. Orforglipron is a small molecule drug that’s absorbed easily in the stomach. 

• No injections so no fridge storage. This could be a major step forward for those of us who struggle with injections or travel often.
• In a 9-month trial, people with type 2 diabetes taking the highest dose lost an average of 7.3kg (16lbs).
• Eli Lilly CEO David Ricks said this format “could be readily manufactured and launched at scale for use by people around the world” .

Dr Asimah Hanif, an NHS and Private GP, says Orforglipron “…may help with 15% weight loss. Taken once daily.” and is “A convenient option in pill form.”

Oral Semaglutide (Novo Nordisk)

Specifically for weight loss Novo Nordisk is working on a high-dose daily pill version of semaglutide (the ingredient in Wegovy). A lower-dose version is already sold as Rybelsus for type 2 diabetes.

• Like Orforglipron: no injections.
• In trials people lost up to 15% body weight lost in 64 weeks.
• Same ingredient, new delivery – designed specifically for weight loss.

Exciting new injection based drug

CagriSema (from NovoNordisk)

A weight loss treatment that combines semaglutide and a new drug called cagrilintide. Cagrilintide has been developed to enhance the effects of semaglutide and increase weight loss.

• Delivered by weekly injections.
• Trials showed weight loss of over 22% over 68 weeks.

Dr Asimah commented

“A stronger option with possibly fewer side effects like nausea.”

The next frontier: drugs that do more

Drug companies around the world are developing drugs that target multiple hormones for even greater results. These innovations look set to surpass the effectiveness that Mounjaro has had. These include:

Retatrutide (from Eli Lilly)

This involves weekly injections and targets three hormones to aid weight loss. The early results suggest even more weight loss than the UK’s most prescribed treatment, Mounjaro.

Dr Asimah thinks “Retatrutide is in line to be possibly one of the most effective weight loss drugs. It may help people lose up to 24% of their body weight.”

She added

“This could help people who haven’t responded to other treatments, or who might otherwise consider surgery.”

MariTide (from Amgen)

This treatment would require monthly injections. In early trials, people lost up to 20% of their body weight without any plateauing. Obesity doctor Dr Jennifer Brown told Healthline this level of weight loss is “significant” and could offer a new standard for treatment.

Mazdutide (From Innovent Biologics & Eli Lilly) 

This drug is delivered by weekly injections and has already been approved for use in China. Trials showed that people achieved an average weight loss of 15.4% in just 36 weeks.

Pemvidutide (Altimmune)

Another drug that would require weekly injections. This drug is in earlier stages of trials but has shown users losing up to 10% to 15% of body weight over a 48 week trial period. 

Trying New Routes and Hormones

Not all new drugs follow the GLP-1 path. Some take entirely different approaches:

• Petrelintide (from Zealand Pharma) is a weekly injectable that mimics hormones linked to satiety, potentially with fewer side effects than GLP-1s.
• TNX-1900 (from Tonix Pharmaceuticals) is a nasal spray that curbs appetite. This is now in trials for obesity and binge eating disorder.
• S-309309 (from Shionogi) is a pill-based drug targeting a completely different mechanism that is involved in fat metabolism.

Why China matters 

China now hosts the second-highest number of obesity drug trials in the world (after the US). While its obesity rate is lower than that of the UK or US, the population size means millions of people could potentially benefit. This makes China a major player in the next wave of drug development.

There’s a lot going on!

As you can see, there’s a huge amount of money being spent and research being done to find the next weight loss wonder drug, or drugs. We’ll keep this article constantly updated with any developments so keep checking in. Remember to get your drugs only from approved sources and always talk to your doctor or healthcare provider.

Share your views or hopes on the new drugs that are coming in the chats. Just click the button below to get involved.