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Approved Anti-Obesity Medications in 2022: A Comprehensive Overview

The article provides an in-depth look at the current landscape of anti-obesity medications (AOMs) approved for long-term weight management, highlighting the importance of pharmacotherapy in treating obesity, especially for individuals with a BMI of 25 kg/m2 or higher who have not achieved weight loss through non-pharmacological treatments. It covers the updated obesity pharmacotherapy guidelines recommended by the Korean Society for the Study of Obesity (KSSO), the currently available AOMs in Korea, and upcoming and potential future AOMs undergoing clinical trials.

Introduction

Obesity is a chronic and progressive disease with serious health consequences. Weight loss, even in small amounts, can significantly improve metabolic markers and overall health. Bariatric surgery, while effective, has limitations and risks, highlighting the need for effective and safe anti-obesity medications (AOMs).

Updated Obesity Pharmacotherapy Guidelines by KSSO

The KSSO recommends pharmacotherapy for Korean adults with a BMI of 25 kg/m2 or more who have failed to lose weight with non-medicinal treatment. The guidelines emphasize the use of medications approved based on large-scale clinical trials for long-term weight management.

Currently Available AOMs

Five AOMs have been approved for long-term weight management in Korea: orlistat, naltrexone/bupropion, phentermine/topiramate, liraglutide, and semaglutide. Tirzepatide is awaiting approval, and CagriSema and oral semaglutide are in phase 3 trials.

  • Orlistat: Approved for long-term weight management, it inhibits dietary fat absorption and has been associated with reduced rates of major adverse cardiovascular events.
  • Naltrexone/Bupropion: FDA-approved in 2014, this combination has shown significant weight loss in clinical trials but with common side effects like nausea and constipation.
  • Phentermine/Topiramate: Approved in 2012, it has shown dose-related weight loss but with concerns over long-term cardiovascular effects.
  • Liraglutide: A GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for weight management, showing significant weight loss and improvements in metabolic markers.
  • Semaglutide: The newest GLP-1RA approved for chronic weight management, showing remarkable weight loss outcomes in clinical trials.

Future AOMs

  • Tirzepatide: A dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist showing promising weight loss results in clinical trials.
  • CagriSema: A combination of an amylin analogue and a GLP-1 analogue, currently in phase 3 trials.
  • LY3502970 (orforglipron), BI 456906, and LY3437943 (retartrutide): Drugs approaching phase 3 clinical trials, showing potential for effective obesity treatment.

Conclusion

The global obesity epidemic underscores the demand for effective and safe AOMs. With the advancement in pharmacotherapy, personalized obesity therapy becomes crucial, emphasizing the role of physicians in selecting appropriate AOMs based on individual patient characteristics.

Reference News

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Approved Anti-Obesity Medications in 2022 KSSO ...

Obesity management requires effective strategies, including pharmacotherapy and bariatric surgery, despite the latter's risks. In Korea, the Korean Society for the Study of Obesity recommends pharmacotherapy for adults with a BMI ≥25 kg/m² who haven't achieved weight loss through non-pharmacological means. Approved long-term anti-obesity medications include orlistat, naltrexone/bupropion, phentermine/topiramate, liraglutide, and semaglutide, with tirzepatide awaiting approval. Emerging drugs like orforglipron, BI 456906, and retartrutide are in phase 3 trials, expanding treatment options.

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