Physicians Prioritize Efficacy and Access in Weight Loss Drugs as Industry Investment Surges

A new study by DNB Markets and Back Bay Life Science Advisors reveals that while the pharmaceutical industry pours unprecedented resources into weight loss medicines, physicians are primarily focused on drug efficacy, safety, and patient access. This disconnect highlights the complex landscape of obesity treatment and the challenges faced by both healthcare providers and drug developers.

Efficacy and Access: Top Priorities for Prescribers

In a survey of 50 physicians, an overwhelming 94% ranked the benefit-safety profile as one of the most critical factors in prescribing weight loss medications. Close behind, 92% of respondents emphasized the importance of insurance coverage and out-of-pocket expenses. These findings underscore the delicate balance between clinical effectiveness and economic feasibility in obesity treatment.

Peter Bak, partner and managing director of Back Bay Life Science Advisors, noted, "What came through loud and clear, at least from the data, is they still see some room for improvement on the GLP-1 class." This sentiment reflects a growing demand for weight loss drugs with enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects.

Patient Discontinuation and Market Challenges

The study revealed that approximately one-third of patients discontinue GLP-1 treatment within six months, primarily due to side effects and cost. A separate report published in JAMA Open Network indicated even higher discontinuation rates, with more than half of patients stopping treatment at one year and 72% at the two-year mark.

Lack of insurance coverage emerged as the leading cause of treatment discontinuation, with 54% of physicians ranking it as the primary reason. Drug availability followed, with 40% of doctors listing it among the top three considerations. These factors highlight the significant barriers to long-term treatment adherence and underscore the need for more accessible and affordable options.

Industry Focus vs. Physician Priorities

While the pharmaceutical industry is investing heavily in developing new weight loss medications, including oral formulations and drugs targeting multiple mechanisms, physicians appear less enthusiastic about expanding the use of GLP-1s beyond weight loss and diabetes. Recent approvals for cardiovascular risk reduction and sleep apnea treatment have not significantly altered this perspective.

The study examined deals between January 2019 and December 2024, revealing that 12 out of 55 focused on the GLP-1 mechanism. Other strategies under investigation include activin and myostatin inhibition, GIP agonists, dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists, and amylin analogs. However, the report suggests that this narrow focus on GLP-1 and related combination therapies may not fully align with the diverse approaches needed for effective obesity treatment.

As the weight loss drug market continues to evolve, the industry faces the challenge of balancing innovation with the practical needs of healthcare providers and patients. The coming years will likely see a shift towards addressing the key concerns of efficacy, safety, and accessibility, potentially reshaping the landscape of obesity treatment.