Oral weight loss drugs advance toward phase 3 trials and regulatory approval

Oral weight loss medications are advancing toward wider availability, offering an alternative to weekly injections. Viking Therapeutics plans to begin phase 3 clinical trials for its oral formulation of VK2735 in the fourth quarter. In phase 2 testing, patients using the pill lost up to 12.2% of their body weight over 13 weeks, though side effects led to a 20% discontinuation rate in that group.

In Australia, the Therapeutic Goods Administration is reviewing the approval process for similar Ozempic-style pills that have already been approved in the US and the UK. If approved, demand for weight loss drugs in Australia is expected to increase by more than 40%. While the pill offers a less invasive delivery method, medical experts note that side effects, particularly gut-related issues, remain identical to those of injectable treatments.