# Evolution of obesity medication treatments

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/evolution-of-obesity-medication-treatments
> Updated: 2026-10-17T15:46:07.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 3.

The landscape of obesity treatments is shifting toward more convenient delivery methods, specifically weekly injections and oral therapies. In the United States, Viking Therapeutics is preparing to begin phase 3 clinical trials for its oral formulation, VK2735, following phase 2 results where patients lost up to 12.2% of body weight over 13 weeks. Meanwhile, Australian regulators are reviewing approval processes for similar oral medications.

In Europe, the European Medicines Agency has approved the molecule orforglipron, which is expected to enter commercial markets soon. During the ‘SIO WiP – Obesity Work in Progress’ national congress in Palermo, medical experts discussed how these developments are expected to facilitate commercialization in various nations, including Italy. Oral therapies are viewed as a significant advancement for patient convenience, helping to overcome “psychological barriers associated with needle-based treatments.”

Medical experts note that these incretin-based medications offer secondary benefits, such as improved cardiovascular health and reduced risks of sleep apnea. However, professionals emphasize that obesity is a chronic condition requiring long-term management to prevent weight regain, and they continue to monitor potential oncological risks and side effects.

## Claims

- The first GLP-1 agonist drug was approved in Italy in 2015. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Treatments have evolved from daily injections to weekly injections. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The European Medicines Agency (EMA) committee has approved the molecule orforglipron. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Obesity medications can improve cardiovascular conditions and reduce risks of fatty liver and sleep apnea. (single source)
- Approximately 46% of adults in Italy are overweight or obese. (single source)
- Abruptly stopping obesity medication can lead to weight regain. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-17: Obesity research advances toward oral treatments

Medical experts at the SIO WiP congress in Palermo discussed the evolution of obesity treatments, highlighting the transition from daily injections to weekly ones and the upcoming availability of oral therapies

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/obesity-research-advances-toward-oral-treatments

### 2026-10-14: Obesity treatments evolve toward weekly injections and oral therapies

Medical experts discuss the revolution in obesity treatments, highlighting the shift toward weekly injections and upcoming oral therapies like orforglipron following EMA approval.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/obesity-treatments-evolve-toward-weekly-injections-and-oral-therapies

### 2026-10-10: Oral weight loss drugs advance toward phase 3 trials and regulatory approval

Oral obesity medications are moving toward phase 3 trials and regulatory approval in Australia, offering a pill-based alternative to weekly injections despite similar side-effect profiles.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/oral-weight-loss-drugs-advance-toward-phase-3-trials-and-regulatory-approval

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Cite as: Evolution of obesity medication treatments. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/evolution-of-obesity-medication-treatments