This is a weekly update in Obesity, covering key regulatory actions, late-stage clinical data, market shifts, partnerships, and digital health developments shaping diabetes and obesity care.

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💊 CagriSema tops Ozempic in Phase III diabetes study [1] [03 Feb 2026]

https://www.clinicaltrialsarena.com/news/novo-nordisks-cagrisema-outperforms-ozempic-in-phase-iii-trial/
Context: 68-week trial, 2,728 type 2 diabetes patients on metformin, GI events mostly mild to moderate.
Key point: Novo Nordisk’s CagriSema (semaglutide plus cagrilintide) delivered greater HbA1c reduction and weight loss than Ozempic in REIMAGINE 2 (endpoint specified).
Implication: May influence prescriber choice and payer reviews pending full data.

💉 Pfizer advances monthly GLP-1 dosing [2] [03 Feb 2026]

https://www.pfizer.com/news/press-release/press-release-detail/pfizers-ultra-long-acting-injectable-glp-1-ra-shows-robust
Context: Phase 2b VESPER-3, obesity or overweight without diabetes, no weight-loss plateau reported.
Key point: PF’3944 achieved statistically significant placebo-adjusted weight loss at week 28 with monthly maintenance dosing.
Implication: Signals pipeline investment and modality expansion.

📉 Novo Nordisk flags pricing shock for 2026 [3] [04 Feb 2026]

https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/novo-nordisks-shock-2026-guidance-points-obesity-battle-heating-up-2026-02-04/
Context: Competition from Eli Lilly and others, higher rebates, more self-pay patients.
Key point: Company guided to a potential double-digit decline in sales and profits amid US pricing pressure.
Implication: Introduces competition that may affect pricing and formulary access.

🤝 Innovent and Lilly deepen global R&D alliance [4] [08 Feb 2026]

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/innovent-announces-strategic-collaboration-with-lilly-to-develop-new-medicines-globally-in-oncology-and-immunology-302682009.html
Context: Seventh collaboration between the firms, focused on oncology and immunology.
Key point: Innovent will lead early development in China; Lilly gains ex-China rights with $350m upfront.
Implication: Signals pipeline investment and modality expansion.

🧬 Korean biosimilar makers prepare for patent cliffs [5] [05 Feb 2026]

https://www.chosun.com/english/industry-en/2026/02/05/LHFK2MZSS5CPBHTSGI2XGMW7TU/
Context: Keytruda US patent expiry in 2028, multiple Phase III programs underway.
Key point: Firms including Samsung Bioepis and Celltrion are advancing biosimilars as blockbuster patents near expiry.
Implication: Introduces competition that may affect pricing and formulary access.

🌎 Hanmi and Sanfer bring GLP-1 to Mexico [6] [06 Feb 2026]

https://mexicobusiness.news/health/news/hanmi-sanfer-partner-bring-glp-1-therapy-mexico
Context: Hanmi supplies product; Sanfer manages regulatory approval and distribution.
Key point: Partnership to commercialize efpeglenatide for obesity and diabetes in Mexico.
Implication: May expand screening, initiation, and follow-up at scale.

📱 Wegovy support added to Kakao Healthcare app [7] [06 Feb 2026]

https://www.koreabiomed.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=30542
Key point: Novo Nordisk Korea integrated Wegovy patient support into Kakao’s PASTA app.
Context: App-based verification replaces clinician-issued QR cards, adding adherence tools.
Implication: Could streamline initiation and adherence via remote support.

⚖️ Hims launches compounded Wegovy pill, faces backlash [8] [08 Feb 2026]

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/hims-hers-launches-wegovy-knockoff-pill-drugmaker-novo-nordisk-vows-to-sue
Key point: Hims introduced a cheaper compounded semaglutide pill; Novo Nordisk vowed legal action.
Context: Product not FDA approved; launched amid easing GLP-1 shortages.
Implication: Regulatory scrutiny may limit compounded-drug channels.

🚨 FDA crackdown reshapes obesity drug market [9] [08 Feb 2026]

https://en.sedaily.com/finance/2026/02/08/fda-crackdown-on-compounded-drugs-reshapes-global-obesity
Key point: FDA moved to curb marketing of compounded GLP-1 copies as shortages ease.
Context: Action followed Hims announcement; Novo Nordisk shares fell sharply.
Implication: Introduces competition that may affect pricing and formulary access.

Why it matters

  • Clinical differentiation among next-generation GLP-1 and combination therapies is accelerating.
  • Pricing pressure is now a central risk even for category leaders.
  • Monthly or oral formulations could reshape adherence and access.
  • Regulatory enforcement is tightening around compounded alternatives.

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FAQ

What is CagriSema and why is it important?

CagriSema is Novo Nordisk’s fixed-dose combination of semaglutide and cagrilintide. Phase III data showed superior glycemic control and weight loss versus Ozempic in diabetes [1].

How does Pfizer’s PF’3944 differ from existing GLP-1s?

PF’3944 is designed for ultra-long action, enabling monthly dosing with continued weight loss, potentially improving convenience and adherence [2].

Why did Novo Nordisk cut its 2026 outlook?

The company cited unprecedented US pricing pressure, higher rebates, and intensifying competition in obesity drugs [3].

What does the FDA action mean for compounded GLP-1 pills?

The FDA signaled stricter enforcement against marketing compounded drugs as equivalents to approved products, prompting some withdrawals [8], [9].

How are Asian pharma companies positioning in obesity and biosimilars?

Korean firms are advancing biosimilars ahead of patent expiries and partnering globally, while Hanmi is expanding GLP-1 access in Mexico [5], [6].

Entities / Keywords

Novo Nordisk, CagriSema, Ozempic, Wegovy, Pfizer, PF’3944, Eli Lilly, Innovent, Hanmi Pharmaceutical, Laboratorios Sanfer, Hims & Hers, FDA, GLP-1 receptor agonist, obesity, type 2 diabetes.

References

  1. https://www.clinicaltrialsarena.com/news/novo-nordisks-cagrisema-outperforms-ozempic-in-phase-iii-trial/
  2. https://www.pfizer.com/news/press-release/press-release-detail/pfizers-ultra-long-acting-injectable-glp-1-ra-shows-robust
  3. https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/novo-nordisks-shock-2026-guidance-points-obesity-battle-heating-up-2026-02-04/
  4. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/innovent-announces-strategic-collaboration-with-lilly-to-develop-new-medicines-globally-in-oncology-and-immunology-302682009.html
  5. https://www.chosun.com/english/industry-en/2026/02/05/LHFK2MZSS5CPBHTSGI2XGMW7TU/
  6. https://mexicobusiness.news/health/news/hanmi-sanfer-partner-bring-glp-1-therapy-mexico
  7. https://www.koreabiomed.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=30542
  8. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/hims-hers-launches-wegovy-knockoff-pill-drugmaker-novo-nordisk-vows-to-sue
  9. https://en.sedaily.com/finance/2026/02/08/fda-crackdown-on-compounded-drugs-reshapes-global-obesity

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