How GLP-1 and Other Receptor-Based Drugs Are Transforming Obesity Treatment

Narrative review published in Frontiers in Endocrinology, surveying the current state and emerging pipeline of GPCR-targeted anti-obesity medications. Covers approved drugs, clinical-stage candidates, and preclinical approaches across multiple receptor targets.

Obesity is a chronic disease affecting over 650 million adults globally, with devastating consequences including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. The success of semaglutide proved that pharmacological weight management can achieve meaningful clinical outcomes. This review captures a pivotal moment — the transformation of obesity treatment from a neglected field to one of the most active areas of drug development, with multiple competing approaches targeting different combinations of incretin receptors.

The obesity drug market is undergoing the most rapid transformation in pharmaceutical history. What started with injectable GLP-1 peptides is evolving into a diverse toolkit of peptides, small molecules, and combinations targeting multiple metabolic pathways simultaneously. This review provides a comprehensive map of the competitive landscape, helping researchers and clinicians understand where the field is headed and which approaches hold the most promise for different patient populations.

As a narrative review, this paper provides an overview without systematic methodology. Published in 2023, some developments (particularly clinical trial results for newer agents) may have advanced since publication. The review focuses primarily on GPCR targets and may not fully cover non-GPCR approaches to obesity (like amylin analogs or central-acting agents). Commercial opportunity discussions may reflect industry perspective.