Now Reading: Weekly GLP‑1 Roundup (July 21–27, 2025)
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Weekly GLP‑1 Roundup (July 21–27, 2025)
Weekly GLP‑1 Roundup (July 21–27, 2025)
Stay on top of the latest GLP‑1 drug developments with this week’s most talked-about stories — from trial breakthroughs to market shifts and early-stage discoveries.
Orforglipron shines in Phase III diabetes study
Eli Lilly’s oral GLP‑1 candidate orforglipron performed impressively in the ACHIEVE‑1 Phase III trial. Patients experienced:
- ~1.5% reduction in A1c
- Up to 8% weight loss over 40 weeks
- Mostly mild side effects (e.g., nausea)
FDA approval for obesity is expected to be filed later this year.
GLP‑1 drug linked to slower tumor growth in obese mice
At ENDO 2025, researchers presented data showing that tirzepatide significantly reduced breast cancer tumor progression in obese mice. This effect appears tied to fat loss and inflammation modulation. It’s a preclinical study — but a compelling direction for future research.
Mazdutide approved in China
The dual GLP‑1/glucagon agonist mazdutide has received regulatory approval for weight management in China. Clinical trials showed meaningful body weight reductions in adults with overweight and obesity. Another signal that dual agonists are on the rise.
SURMOUNT‑5: Tirzepatide outperforms semaglutide
The first head-to-head comparison between tirzepatide (Zepbound) and semaglutide (Wegovy) showed tirzepatide led to more significant and sustained weight loss over 72 weeks in people without diabetes.
Source – Applied Clinical Trials
Eli Lilly eyes market dominance
Lilly’s aggressive strategy for obesity drug leadership includes:
- Injectables (tirzepatide)
- Orals (orforglipron)
- Pipeline expansion (mazdutide)
With these efforts, the company hopes to capture nearly half of the projected $95B global obesity drug market by 2030.
Summary Highlights
- Orforglipron is leading the oral GLP‑1 race
- Dual agonists like tirzepatide and mazdutide are setting new standards
- GLP‑1s may have unexpected benefits beyond weight and diabetes
- Competition between top drugs is pushing innovation faster than ever
Interested in a deeper dive on one of these stories? Let us know — or subscribe to get next week’s roundup straight to your inbox.
