Track this week’s obesity headlines: Obesity Week 2025 highlights, industry activity, clinical milestones, and biopharma breakthroughs.

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🧬 Phenomix Sciences MyPhenome™ Test for GLP-1 Therapy [1] [04 November 2025]

https://www.phenomixsciences.com/about/press
Context: New research, including studies with bariatric surgery patients and racially diverse groups, reinforces test’s potential in personalized obesity treatments.
Key point: MyPhenome™ test shows ability to predict GLP-1 therapy response across diverse patient populations.
Implication: May drive clinical adoption of genetic risk tools for obesity treatment customization.

💊 Hengrui Pharma’s Dual GLP-1/GIP Receptor Agonist HRS9531 Phase 3 Data [2] [04 November 2025]

https://www.kailera.com/press-release/hengrui-pharma-and-kailera-therapeutics-announce-additional-data-from-phase-3-obesity-trial-in-china-of-dual-glp-1-gip-receptor-agonist-hrs9531/
Context: Results from GEMINI-1 trial show superior weight loss vs placebo, with additional global trials planned.
Key point: HRS9531 shows up to 19.2% mean weight loss at 48 weeks, with significant cardiometabolic benefits.
Implication: Could shift prescribing practices and market dynamics for obesity medications.

💊 Novo Nordisk’s Oral Semaglutide at ObesityWeek [3] [05 November 2025]

https://www.novonordisk.com/content/nncorp/global/en/news-and-media/news-and-ir-materials/news-details.html?id=916447
Context: Data from OASIS 4 phase 3 trial, with improvements in blood glucose and cardiovascular markers, support oral formulation as a viable alternative to injections.
Key point: Oral semaglutide shows reductions in cardiovascular risk factors alongside significant weight loss.
Implication: May expand oral therapy options in obesity treatment and reshape patient access.

🔬 Palatin Technologies at ObesityWeek [4] [06 November 2025]

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/palatin-presents-data-at-obesityweek-2025-highlighting-promise-of-melanocortin-based-therapies-for-obesity-302606887.html
Context: Posters presented highlight the potential of melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) agonists for obesity treatment.
Key point: PL7737 (oral MC4R agonist) shows promising weight loss data, with combination therapy with tirzepatide showing enhanced effects.
Implication: New class of treatments could offer complementary options to current GLP-1 based therapies.

📊 Viking Therapeutics VK2735 Data at ObesityWeek [5] [06 November 2025]

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/viking-therapeutics-highlights-clinical-data-from-vk2735-obesity-program-in-presentation-at-obesityweek-2025-302606589.html
Context: Data from exploratory analysis support the efficacy of VK2735 in treating both obesity and metabolic dysfunction.
Key point: VK2735 (dual GLP-1/GIP) shows robust weight loss (up to 14.7%) and improvements in glycemic status in Phase 2 VENTURE trial.
Implication: Sets the stage for Phase 3 trials and may influence the competitive landscape in obesity treatment.

🤝 Pfizer Wins Metsera Acquisition [6] [09 November 2025]

https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/pfizer-sweetens-offer-metsera-bidding-war-against-novo-bloomberg-news-reports-2025-11-08/
Context: Competing bids for Metsera highlight the increasing value of obesity drug development as a strategic asset.
Key point: Pfizer wins $10 billion bidding war for Metsera, securing an entry into the obesity market.
Implication: This acquisition may accelerate Pfizer’s position in the obesity market and influence future acquisitions.

🛡️ AstraZeneca Acquires SixPeaks Bio [06 November 2025][7]

https://www.biopharmadive.com/news/sixpeaks-bio-astrazeneca-exercise-option-acquire-obesity-muscle/804866/#:~:text=The%20pharma%20giant%20disclosed%20in,it%20helped%20launch%20last%20year.&text=AstraZeneca%20has%20exercised%20an%20option,last%20year%20with%20Versant%20Ventures.
Context: AstraZeneca’s focus on obesity treatments aims to complement its existing portfolio of metabolic drugs.
Key point: AstraZeneca exercises its option to acquire SixPeaks Bio, bolstering its pipeline of obesity therapies that preserve muscle mass.
Implication: Signals increased investment in obesity treatments and a focus on muscle preservation in weight loss therapies.

🏃‍♂️ Lilly’s Experimental Amylin-based Obesity Drug Advances to Late-Stage Trials [8] [07 November 2025]

https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/lillys-experimental-drug-shows-promise-with-201-weight-loss-mid-stage-trial-2025-11-06/
Context: Eloralintide, a once-weekly injection, mimics the amylin hormone to suppress hunger and slow digestion.
Key point: Lilly’s amylin-based drug eloralintide shows up to 20.1% weight loss in mid-stage trial and progresses to late-stage trials.
Implication: The promising results position Lilly as a leader in the next generation of obesity treatments, potentially setting a new benchmark for amylin-based therapies.

🤖 Fangzhou and Novo Nordisk Launch AI-Powered Health Solutions [9] [07 November 2025]

https://www.biospace.com/press-releases/fangzhou-novo-nordisk-launch-initiative-for-ai-powered-diabetes-and-weight-management-solutions-at-ciie
Context: At the 2025 CIIE, Fangzhou was named an “Outstanding Strategic Health Ecosystem Partner” as they expand their AI + Weight Management platform.
Key point: Fangzhou and Novo Nordisk launch a partnership to integrate AI technology into diabetes and weight management, focusing on chronic disease prevention and proactive health management.
Implication: This collaboration could shape the future of chronic disease management, particularly in obesity and diabetes, through personalized, data-driven solutions.

Why it matters

  • Innovative therapies like RNAi and dual receptor agonists are reshaping the treatment landscape and may offer long-term solutions for obesity care.
  • Safety profiles remain a key differentiator for patient adherence and long-term success in obesity treatment.
  • M&A activity is shaping access to next-generation obesity drugs, with companies positioning themselves for market dominance.
  • AI-driven healthcare: Fangzhou’s partnership with Novo Nordisk underscores the growing role of AI in transforming chronic disease management, particularly for obesity and diabetes.
  • Real-world evidence (RWE) studies and large-scale trials will continue to drive decision-making for payers and providers.

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FAQ

What does Phenomix’s MyPhenome™ test predict?

It predicts patient response to GLP-1 therapies, with recent studies showing strong performance across diverse populations, including bariatric surgery patients and racially diverse groups [1].

What is Hengrui Pharma’s HRS9531 trial result?

The Phase 3 GEMINI-1 trial showed up to 19.2% weight loss at 48 weeks, with significant improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors [2].

What are the key findings from Novo Nordisk’s oral semaglutide data?

The OASIS 4 trial presented at ObesityWeek showed significant improvements in cardiovascular risk factors alongside weight loss [3].

What are Palatin Technologies’ updates at ObesityWeek?

PL7737, a melanocortin-4 receptor agonist, shows promising weight loss, especially in combination with tirzepatide [4].

Why did Pfizer win the Metsera acquisition?

Pfizer’s $10 billion bid outpaced Novo Nordisk, securing a foothold in the competitive obesity market [6].

What is the significance of Lilly’s eloralintide trial data?

Lilly’s mid-stage trial for eloralintide showed up to 20.1% weight loss, leading to the drug’s progression to late-stage trials. It may provide a promising alternative to GLP-1-based treatments [8].

How does the collaboration between Fangzhou and Novo Nordisk contribute to health goals?

The collaboration supports the “Healthy China 2030” initiative, which focuses on preventive care and digital health solutions for chronic disease management, potentially influencing global healthcare standards [9].

Entities / Keywords

Efpeglenatide (Hanmi Pharmaceutical; GLP-1), WVE-007 (Wave Life Sciences; siRNA), Orforglipron (Eli Lilly; oral GLP-1), VK2735 (Viking Therapeutics; GLP-1/GIP), PL7737 (Palatin Technologies; MC4R), HRS9531 (Hengrui Pharma; GLP-1/GIP), Tirzepatide (Eli Lilly; Zepbound/Mounjaro), Metsera, SixPeaks Bio, SCoMIS, University of Glasgow, IQVIA, Eloralintide (Eli Lilly; amylin), Fangzhou (AI-powered healthcare, weight management), Novo Nordisk (diabetes, obesity)

References

  1. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/phenomix-sciences-expands-evidence-for-myphenome-test-predicting-glp-1-response-and-obesity-risk-in-large-diverse-populations-302603743.html
  2. https://www.kailera.com/press-release/hengrui-pharma-and-kailera-therapeutics-announce-additional-data-from-phase-3-obesity-trial-in-china-of-dual-glp-1-gip-receptor-agonist-hrs9531/
  3. https://www.novonordisk.com/content/nncorp/global/en/news-and-media/news-and-ir-materials/news-details.html?id=916447
  4. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/palatin-presents-data-at-obesityweek-2025-highlighting-promise-of-melanocortin-based-therapies-for-obesity-302606887.html
  5. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/viking-therapeutics-highlights-clinical-data-from-vk2735-obesity-program-in-presentation-at-obesityweek-2025-302606589.html
  6. https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/pfizer-sweetens-offer-metsera-bidding-war-against-novo-bloomberg-news-reports-2025-11-08/
  7. https://www.biopharmadive.com/news/sixpeaks-bio-astrazeneca-exercise-option-acquire-obesity-muscle/804866/#:~:text=The%20pharma%20giant%20disclosed%20in,it%20helped%20launch%20last%20year.&text=AstraZeneca%20has%20exercised%20an%20option,last%20year%20with%20Versant%20Ventures.
  8. https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/lillys-experimental-drug-shows-promise-with-201-weight-loss-mid-stage-trial-2025-11-06/
  9. https://www.biospace.com/press-releases/fangzhou-novo-nordisk-launch-initiative-for-ai-powered-diabetes-and-weight-management-solutions-at-ciie

 

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