2026 Weight Loss Drugs: New and Powerful Options
New Obesity Treatments on the horizon
Following the impact of medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, 2026 promises a wider range of options for treating obesity, with new study results and drug approvals anticipated in the coming months. Both oral pills and injectable medications aiming for weight loss comparable to bariatric surgery are expected to become available.
Orforgliprona: A New Pill Option
One of the most anticipated new treatments is orforgliprona,developed by Eli Lilly,the manufacturer of Mounjaro. In a study, the daily pill led to a weight loss of up to 12.4% after 72 weeks. Eli Lilly anticipates regulatory approval for the drug this year. Paulo Miranda, former president and coordinator of the Department of International Affairs at the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (SBEM), highlights the drug’s unique characteristics.
“It has a different production method; it’s a small molecule and easier to manufacture. And it doesn’t require fasting or waiting periods like othre medications. This gives it a great potential to reach more patients.”
Additionally, an oral form of semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic) in a 25mg daily dose is expected to become available, offering another option for those who prefer not to use injections.
Wegovy Oral and Future Injectables
Wegovy oral was approved in the United States at the end of 2025 and is expected to receive approval in Brazil soon. clinical trials showed a 13.6% weight reduction after 64 weeks. Though, its production is more complex, and adherence might potentially be more challenging due to specific requirements. Unlike orforgliprona, which can be taken at any time, Wegovy oral must be taken instantly upon waking, on an empty stomach, with up to 118ml of water, and requires a 30-minute wait before eating or drinking.
Beyond pills, new injectable options are also in progress. CagriSema,from Novo Nordisk (the maker of Ozempic and Wegovy),combines semaglutide with cagrilintide,a different mechanism of action. Studies have shown a 22.7% weight reduction after 68 weeks, exceeding results seen with Wegovy (17.4% after 68 weeks) and Mounjaro (20.9% after 72 weeks).
Retatrutide, another new molecule from Eli Lilly, is also showing promise. It mimics the action of three hormones and early phase 3 data indicates an unprecedented weight reduction of 28.7% in just 68 weeks.
increased Access Through generics
Greater access to these medications is also anticipated through reduced prices.A legal battle is expected to result in the expiration of the semaglutide patent in Brazil in March 2026. Pharmaceutical companies like Hypera Pharma, Biomm, Eurofarma, EMS, and even Fiocruz have announced plans to launch similar and generic versions, increasing competition and perhaps lowering costs by at least 35% for generic options.
“These medications aren’t shortcuts, but science-based interventions that, along with lifestyle changes, can improve the quality of life for patients.There won’t be one best option for everyone; treatment is individualized and should be done with medical supervision. The good news is that we now have multiple options,” says Miranda.
New Obesity Treatments on the Horizon for 2026
A wave of new obesity treatments, including more convenient pill formulations and highly effective injectable medications, are expected to become available this year, building on the success of drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro.
Orforgliprona: A New Daily Pill Option
One of the most anticipated new drugs is orforgliprona, developed by Eli Lilly.In studies, the once-daily pill led to weight loss of up to 12.4% after 72 weeks. Eli lilly anticipates regulatory approval for the medication this year. Paulo Miranda, former president and coordinator of the Department of International Affairs at the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (SBEM), explained the drug’s potential advantages: ”It has a different production method, it’s a small molecule and easier to make. And it doesn’t require fasting or waiting in relation to other medications. Therefore, it has a great potential to reach more patients.”
Oral Semaglutide Availability
The oral version of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic, is also expected to be released for obesity treatment at a dose of 25mg per day, offering another option for those who prefer to avoid injections.
CagriSema: A Potent New Injection
Beyond the convenience of pills, new injectable options are also in development. CagriSema, from Novo Nordisk, combines semaglutide with cagrilintide, a different mechanism of action. Studies have shown a weight reduction of 22.7% after 68 weeks, exceeding the results seen with Wegovy (17.4% after 68 weeks) and Mounjaro (20.9% after 72 weeks).
Retatrutide: Approaching bariatric Surgery-Level Weight Loss
Retatrutida,a new molecule from Eli Lilly,is also showing promise,potentially achieving weight loss comparable to bariatric surgery. This is as it mimics the action of three hormones, making it the first medication of its kind. Initial phase 3 data indicated an unprecedented weight reduction of 28.7% in just 68 weeks.
Increased Access Through Generic Competition
Another positive development is the potential for increased access due to price reductions. The semaglutide patent is expected to expire in Brazil in March, paving the way for pharmaceutical companies like Hypera Pharma, Biomm, Eurofarma, EMS, and even Fiocruz to launch similar and generic versions. This increased competition is expected to drive down prices, as generics are required to be 35% cheaper.
“These medications are not shortcuts, but science-based interventions notable for the treatment of obesity, which is a multifactorial disease. When combined with lifestyle changes, they can improve patients’ quality of life.there will not be a better option for everyone; treatment is individualized and should be done with medical supervision. The good thing is that today we have multiple options,” says Miranda.