Where GLP-1 Development May be Headed

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: Beyond weight loss, where is GLP-1 development headed?
Dr. Bo Liang: If you look at the full range of clinical benefits the GLP-1 class has demonstrated, obesity is only one part of the story. The GLP-1 class has clearly shown clinical benefit across cardiovascular outcomes, renal outcomes, and a broad range of obesity-related comorbidities and chronic complications — including sleep apnea and metabolic-associated steatohepatitis.

We believe GLP-1 therapies are not obesity treatments in the narrow sense. They represent a broader therapeutic platform for multiple chronic diseases, one that can deliver long-term clinical benefit for patients living with obesity and its many associated complications.