Future Treatments
Drugs in late-stage clinical trials that are not yet approved for use. Early data is promising — but Phase 3 trial results and regulatory decisions may differ from earlier trials.
Quick read · 3 min
This treatment is in clinical trials and has not been approved by the FDA or any regulatory authority. It is not available for prescription.
- •5 drugs are in late-stage trials for obesity — none are approved yet
- •These trials are ongoing — trial results and approval timelines can change
- •The most advanced (Orforglipron) has an FDA decision expected in 2026 — the rest are 2027 or later
- •All estimated approval dates on this page are not confirmed
Based on clinical trials · No rankings · Every claim linked to source
Last reviewed: March 2026
At a glance
| Drug | Best trial result |
|---|---|
| Retatrutide Eli Lilly | up to 28.7% Phase 2 randomised controlled trial (NEJM 2023) |
| CagriSema Novo Nordisk | up to 22.7% REDEFINE 1 |
| Amycretin Novo Nordisk | up to 22% Phase 1b/2a randomised controlled trial (subcutaneous) |
| MariTide Amgen | up to 20% Phase 2 randomised dose-finding study |
| Orforglipron Eli Lilly | up to 12.4% ATTAIN-1 |
All future treatments
Retatrutide
Phase 3A triple GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon receptor agonist. The first Phase 3 result (TRIUMPH-4, 2026) showed 28.7% average weight loss at 68 weeks — the highest weight loss ever recorded in a Phase 3 randomised controlled trial. The addition of glucagon receptor agonism on top of GIP and GLP-1 may further boost metabolic rate and fat burning beyond what dual agonists achieve.
Orforglipron
Phase 3A small-molecule oral GLP-1 receptor agonist that has completed Phase 3 trials for obesity. The FDA NDA is currently under review with a PDUFA decision date of April 10, 2026. Oral Wegovy (semaglutide pill) was the first oral GLP-1 approved for weight loss (December 2025) — orforglipron's key differentiator is that unlike oral Wegovy, it has NO food or water restrictions. You can take it any time without planning around meals.
CagriSema
Phase 3A fixed-dose combination of cagrilintide (a long-acting amylin analogue) and semaglutide 2.4 mg in a single weekly injection. Amylin is a hormone co-secreted with insulin that reduces appetite and slows gastric emptying — complementing GLP-1 action through a different pathway.
Amycretin
Phase 3A single unimolecular drug that activates both GLP-1 and amylin receptors — hitting the same two targets as CagriSema but in a single molecule rather than two separate drugs combined. Both a weekly injection and a daily pill are being developed. Early data shows exceptional promise, with oral Phase 1 results exceeding oral semaglutide.
MariTide
Phase 3MariTide takes a completely different approach to other weight loss drugs. While tirzepatide activates the GIP receptor, MariTide blocks it — using the opposite strategy — while also activating GLP-1. This antibody-peptide conjugate (a different drug class entirely from small molecules or peptide injections) only needs to be injected once a month or less, which could be transformative for adherence.