The future of obesity drugs is being shaped long before clinical trials, in preclinical discovery. In this Novotech-featured article, Gab Silver, Therapeutic Strategy Manager explores how the rapid rise of GLP-1 therapies has raised the bar for obesity treatment, while also revealing critical gaps that next-generation innovation must solve, including long-term durability, weight regain after discontinuation, adherence, tolerability, and global accessibility.
The article explains how preclinical discovery is accelerating the next wave of obesity therapeutics by advancing multimechanistic strategies and novel targets. These include dual and triple agonists, oral incretin alternatives, and emerging mechanisms such as MGAT2 inhibitors, ActRII antagonists, and MC4R agonists, all aimed at improving metabolic outcomes while supporting lean mass preservation, energy expenditure, and sustainable weight management.
Gab also highlights the growing importance of mechanism-linked biomarkers and better translational models to de-risk development earlier, alongside emerging enablers like AI-guided multiomics, precision phenotyping, and digital simulation tools that can improve target validation and shorten timelines. With Asia–Pacific contributing a significant share of global obesity trial growth, the region is positioned as a major hub for translational research — combining diverse patient populations, scientific momentum, and increasing CRO infrastructure.