The Next Chapter in Metabolic Drug Development

The GLP-1 landscape is a fast-evolving sector of the industry. The medications became popular only a few years ago when they were approved for weight-loss treatments. Since then, sales of the drugs have sky rocketed.

Along with rising sales, GLP-1s are a major focus for R&D teams. Major pharma companies are developing new versions of the medication that are easier for patients to use, while also funding research into areas outside of weight-loss where they may also be effective.

Pharmaceutical Executive spoke with Dr. Bo Liang, chief medical officer at CORXEL, about the trajectory of GLP-1s. Dr. Liang previously worked at Novo Nordisk, where he lead global clinical development and regulatory submission for semaglutide. During the conversation, he spoke about recent developments with the medications and where he sees the sector moving in the coming years.

Pharmaceutical Executive: What is the next chapter in metabolic drug development?
Dr. Bo Liang: When we look at obesity and where the next generation of treatments should go, the fundamental question is: where are the unmet medical needs? If we examine the treatments currently available, efficacy is no longer the most significant gap. The four areas of greatest unmet need are as follows.

First, reducing GI adverse events. Minimizing or mitigating gastrointestinal side effects is the top priority for the next generation of obesity therapies.

Second, convenience and adherence. Whether we are talking about injectable or oral peptide therapies, every current option has limitations in terms of how easy it is for patients to stay on treatment long-term.

Third, lean mass preservation. When patients achieve body weight reduction on current therapies, they also lose a significant amount of muscle mass alongside fat. Addressing that is an important direction for next-generation development.

Fourth, weight regain after treatment discontinuation. Once patients stop treatment, body weight typically returns. Developing medications that produce more durable outcomes — or that can support patients through transitions off therapy — is another key priority.

These four directions define where the next generation of obesity treatments needs to go.