Obesity Drug Injections Pose Challenges for Patients

GLP-1 receptor agonists have become the go-to treatment for individuals struggling with obesity. While these medications have proven effective in aiding weight loss, they come with certain drawbacks. One of the most significant is the need to inject the medication, which can be inconvenient and even daunting for some patients. This can lead to poor adherence and ultimately, suboptimal results. 

Endevica Bio, which is developing an oral weight loss drug that monkey studies suggest will be even more effective than GLP-1s, hopes to give patients more options. Oral medications offer a more convenient and accessible option compared with injectables. These medications can be easily integrated into a person’s routine. This increased convenience means people are more likely to take the medications regularly, which leads to better outcomes. 

Oral medications also circumvent other issues that are barriers for some patients: a fear of needles, and unease over self-injection. That discomfort can make it less likely patients will follow their doctors’ instructions related to how frequently to take the medications. 

Furthermore, animal testing indicates that our oral medication may have a more favorable side effect profile than the injectables now on the market. GLP-1s are known to cause nausea and diarrhea, which our experimental drug did not. Additionally, Endevica Bio’s experimental drug didn’t cause the “bounce back” weight gain commonly seen with GLP-1s when patients discontinue their medication. 

As the field of obesity medicine continues to evolve, we can expect to see further advancements in oral weight loss drugs. That said, it’s important to note that an oral weight loss drug will not be a magic bullet. Those seeking to lose weight also should eat a healthy diet and get regular exercise – whether or not they take medication. 

An oral weight loss drug would be a welcome addition to the treatments doctors can offer to their patients – especially given their convenience. As the field of obesity medicine continues to evolve, we can anticipate even more innovative treatments to emerge. 

Russell Potterfield is the Chief Executive Officer of Endevica Bio.