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Europe’s Next Frontier in Weight Loss: 16 New Medications Set to Transform Treatment by 2030
Jul
1. Introduction: A European Health Revolution And Weight Loss Guide
2. The Need for New Options in Europe
European healthcare systems differ from the U.S. model. Medications often go through the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for approval and are then subjected to national reimbursement evaluations. Unlike in the U.S., where Wegovy and Zepbound grabbed media attention, many Europeans are still waiting for broader access to GLP-1s and newer therapies.
That’s about to change.
The pipeline is brimming with promising treatments—oral, injectable, and combination therapies—that promise substantial weight loss and improved metabolic health. Here’s a deeper look at what’s next.
3. Oral Weight Loss Medications on the Horizon
Oral Semaglutide: A Game-Changer for Accessibility
European Focus: A Dutch real-world study showed nearly 6 kg average weight loss in just 9 months—on lower-than-clinical-trial doses. EMA approval for weight loss is expected soon.
Orforglipron: An Easier-to-Produce GLP-1
Developed by Eli Lilly, orforglipron is a synthetic, oral GLP-1 agonist, meaning it’s easier and cheaper to manufacture than peptide-based versions like Wegovy.
Why it matters for Europe: If priced appropriately, this could be one of the first widely accessible GLP-1 pills across Europe, where many public health systems are price-sensitive.
Danuglipron: Pfizer’s GLP-1 Entry
Although results for the twice-daily version were mixed, a once-daily formulation is in the pipeline. Its affordability and ease of use could appeal to European prescribers.
Noteworthy: Pfizer is also conducting EU-based trials, which could fast-track its EMA pathway.
Amycretin: Dual Action, High Impact
Novo Nordisk’s amycretin stimulates both GLP-1 and amylin, two hormones that promote satiety. In phase 1 studies, it rivalled semaglutide in weight loss at just 12 weeks.
Latest update from Europe: The drug was presented at the EASD (European Association for the Study of Diabetes) meeting in Germany, indicating strong European interest.
ARD-101: Activating the Gut’s “Taste Hormones”
By targeting gut taste receptors, ARD-101 naturally boosts GLP-1 and suppresses appetite. Currently in phase 2 trials, it has promising results in Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS).
Europe relevance: EU-based orphan drug incentives make this particularly interesting for rare disorder treatment expansion.
Monlunabant: The Comeback of Cannabinoid Antagonists
Monlunabant is Europe’s next big experiment with cannabinoid receptor blockers—reborn with a safer side effect profile. Early results: 7 kg lost in 4 months.
Clinical trials in the Netherlands and France will help determine EMA submission pathways.
GSBR-1290: Another Oral GLP-1 in the Race
Structure Therapeutics’ oral GLP-1 showed 6% weight loss in 3 months—on par with early-stage Wegovy trials.
Expected trials in Europe: Structure has announced expansion plans targeting Germany and the UK, which offer fast-track reviews for obesity solutions.
4. Injectable Therapies Gaining Momentum
Retatrutide: The Next-Gen Triple Agonist
GLP-1 + GIP + Glucagon receptor targeting gives this drug serious fat-burning potential. Weight loss up to 24% has been observed.
Why Europe should care: Liver fat reduction effects (over 85% reduction of MASLD) are key for countries like Germany and Spain with rising non-alcoholic fatty liver disease rates.
CagriSema: Combination Therapy Done Right
Combining semaglutide with cagrilintide may beat both alone. Currently in a major phase 3 trial running across EU sites.
Unique European angle: This therapy aligns with EU’s interest in combo therapies to reduce overall pharmaceutical spend per patient.
Ecnoglutide: China’s Answer to Saxenda
While mostly trialed in China, interest in its longer-lasting weekly formulation is growing across the EU. European biotech investors are already buying in.
Coming soon: A German biopharma partner is reportedly collaborating on its EU clinical trial expansion.
Mazdutide: GLP-1 + Glucagon = Better Blood Sugar and Fat Burn
Initial studies show more dramatic A1C drops than Trulicity. Now in phase 3 studies expected to reach Europe by 2025.
Potential EMA impact: Dual-action drugs like this could replace Saxenda across EU formularies.
Survodutide: From Liver Healing to Fat Burning
Developed by Boehringer Ingelheim (Germany), this medication may become a staple in EU clinics. Up to 19% weight loss and massive liver benefits in trials.
EU-local pharma leader: The EMA pathway for Survodutide is smoother due to its EU-based development and positive MASH results.
VK2735: From Injection to Oral
Viking Therapeutics’ GLP-1/GIP agent has strong early results in both injection and oral form.
European spotlight: Oral VK2735 will likely appeal to nations like France and the UK that prefer non-invasive therapies in public health settings.
MariTide: Once a Month, Long-Term Results
This unique GLP-1 blocker is taken monthly. Early data shows 15% weight loss and sustained benefit even months after stopping.
Europe potential: Could reduce the burden on healthcare systems with fewer prescriptions and better compliance.
Bimagrumab: Muscle-Building Weight Loss
This biologic drug is the only one aimed at increasing lean muscle mass during fat loss—ideal for older adults.
Senior populations in Europe (e.g. Italy, Germany, Scandinavia) may benefit significantly.
5. Regulation and Access in the EU vs US
In the U.S., the FDA fast-tracks weight-loss meds due to rising obesity rates. In the EU, the EMA reviews more cautiously, considering long-term safety and health economics. However, the growing obesity crisis has pushed many agencies—especially NICE in the UK, and HAS in France—to expedite reviews of GLP-1s and novel therapies.
6. Insurance Coverage and National Health Services
Access to weight-loss medications is often limited in public systems. However, drugs like Wegovy are already covered in Denmark, Sweden, and partially in Germany and the UK. Future treatments like orforglipron and amycretin may only be covered after demonstrating long-term cost savings (e.g. reduction in diabetes, heart disease).
7. Europe’s Role in Clinical Trials and Data
Many of the above drugs are being trialled directly in European countries:
- Germany is hosting Survodutide and VK2735 trials.
- UK is involved in CagriSema’s global comparative study.
- France is testing danuglipron and oral amycretin.
- The Netherlands has become a key site for oral semaglutide real-world data.
This local data is essential for EMA approval and national-level funding.
8. Weight Loss as a Public Health Priority in Europe
Europe is slowly waking up to the systemic impact of obesity—from cancer to cardiovascular disease to infertility. While stigma still exists, the recognition of obesity as a chronic metabolic disease is shifting policies. Expect more public campaigns, pharmacy-led initiatives, and national reimbursement in the coming years.
9. Final Thoughts: The Future of Obesity Management in Europe
The next five years will redefine how Europe treats obesity. Oral medications like orforglipron and amycretin offer the ease and affordability needed for mass access. Injectables like retatrutide and Survodutide bring powerful results for the most challenging cases.
Whether you’re in Paris, Berlin, Madrid, or Manchester, expect to see more doctors prescribing these life-changing medications—and more public health systems footing the bill.
Care Circle Pharmacy is keeping you ahead of the curve. Whether you’re seeking medically-reviewed treatments like Wegovy or want to understand what’s coming next, visit us today for expert guidance and support tailored to your health journey.
