Global and Korean Pharma Intensify Race for Next-Gen Oral Obesity Drugs: GLP-1/GIP Dual Agonists and Microneedle Patches Emerge

Chosun Biz South Korea

Overview

The 2026 European Congress on Obesity highlighted intensified global competition in next-generation oral obesity drug development. Viking Therapeutics announced positive Phase 2 results for its oral GLP-1/GIP dual agonist VK2735, showing promising weight loss. Korean companies, including HK inno.N, JW Pharmaceutical, Celltrion, and Daewoong Pharmaceutical, are actively pursuing novel modalities like oral GLP-1s, triple agonists, and microneedle patches, with several candidates in late-stage clinical or preclinical development. This shift indicates a strong industry push towards convenient oral and non-invasive delivery options in a market predominantly served by injectables.

In Depth

Background

Obesity remains a pervasive global health challenge, and the therapeutic market has seen rapid expansion with the advent of GLP-1 receptor agonists. However, the majority of existing GLP-1 drugs are injectables, presenting challenges in terms of patient convenience and adherence. Consequently, the development of orally administrable GLP-1 agonists, more potent dual or triple agonists, and novel delivery systems for next-generation obesity treatments has become one of the most fiercely contested frontiers in the global pharmaceutical industry. Notably, South Korean pharmaceutical companies are actively entering this global race, pursuing innovative approaches to carve out their market share.

Key Findings / Results

The 2026 European Congress on Obesity, held in Istanbul, Turkey, underscored the burgeoning global competition in the development of next-generation oral obesity drugs. During the congress, Viking Therapeutics announced encouraging Phase 2 clinical trial data for its oral GLP-1/GIP dual agonist, VK2735, which demonstrated an average weight reduction of 12.2%. This promising efficacy positions VK2735 as a notable oral contender potentially comparable to injectable GLP-1 receptor agonists. Incumbent market leaders, Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, are simultaneously focusing on weight maintenance strategies and higher-dose options for their GLP-1 drugs to further expand their market dominance.

Korean pharmaceutical companies are also robustly participating in this global endeavor. HK inno.N is developing an oral GLP-1 agonist, JW Pharmaceutical is advancing a triple agonist, Celltrion is working on new obesity treatment candidates, and Daewoong Pharmaceutical is exploring DWRX5003, an obesity treatment candidate utilizing a microneedle patch delivery system. These Korean firms have several drug candidates in late-stage clinical trials or preclinical development, pursuing diverse modalities and delivery methods to establish a competitive edge in the global market.

Technical Significance & Outlook

The industry’s pivot towards high-dose oral options, sustained weight maintenance effects, and novel delivery methods such as microneedle patches signifies the maturation and diversification of the obesity pharmacotherapy market. Oral formulations and non-invasive delivery systems promise substantial improvements in patient convenience and adherence, potentially broadening market access to patient segments averse to injections. The aggressive entry of Korean companies highlights a growing wave of innovation from the Asian region, bolstering global competitiveness in this therapeutic area. However, the long-term safety, efficacy, and patient adherence for these oral and novel delivery systems require extensive validation in large-scale Phase 3 trials. Furthermore, the sustained global demand for GLP-1 drugs continues to pose challenges in terms of manufacturing capacity and supply chain resilience, necessitating ongoing strategic investments and innovation.