Beyond Ozempic: 6 New Weight Loss Treatments on the Horizon

By Dr. Ethan Lazarus Board Certified Obesity Medicine Specialist | Clinical Nutrition Center

It feels like medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound have taken over the world. And for good reason—they work. For the first time, we have tools that effectively treat obesity by addressing the biology behind it.

But if you think we have reached the peak of medical weight loss in Colorado, I have news for you: We are just getting started.

At Clinical Nutrition Center (CNC) in Denver, I spend a lot of time reviewing clinical data to ensure we bring the most effective, safe options to our patients across Centennial, Highlands Ranch, and the entire metro area. Recent reports from major healthcare conferences highlight a wave of new treatments that are potentially stronger, easier to take, or last longer than what we have today.

Here are six exciting developments in the “pipeline” that could redefine how we manage weight in the near future.

1. The “Triple G” Powerhouse: Retatrutide

You might have heard me mention this one before because the data is stunning. Currently, Wegovy targets one hormone (GLP-1), and Zepbound targets two (GLP-1 and GIP).

Eli Lilly is developing Retatrutide, nicknamed “Triple G.” It targets three hormones: GLP-1, GIP, and Glucagon. By hitting all three targets, it appears to crank up metabolic expenditure while crushing hunger.

• The Data: In recent Phase 3 trials, patients on the highest dose lost an average of 28.7% of their body weight. That rivals the results of bariatric surgery.
• The Bonus: The data also showed significant reductions in knee pain for patients with osteoarthritis.
• Status: Phase 3 trials are ongoing, with full results and potential approval pathways expected in 2026.

2. The Dynamic Duo: CagriSema

Novo Nordisk (the maker of Wegovy) isn’t sitting still. They have officially submitted their new weekly injection, CagriSema, for FDA approval.

This drug combines semaglutide (the ingredient in Wegovy) with a new drug called cagrilintide. Cagrilintide mimics a hormone called amylin, which tells your brain you are full. By combining these two, they attack appetite from two different angles.

• The Data: In the REDEFINE 1 trial, patients lost about 22.7% of their body weight in a year—significantly higher than Wegovy alone.
• Status: Submitted for FDA approval in late 2025; we could see a decision later this year.

3. The Monthly Shot: MariTide

One of the biggest complaints I hear from my patients in Denver and Aurora is the “injection fatigue” of weekly shots. Amgen is working to solve that with MariTide.

This drug is designed to last longer in the body, meaning you might only need to take it once a month. Interestingly, it works differently than Zepbound. While it stimulates GLP-1, it actually blocks the GIP hormone receptor. This unique approach prevents the weight loss plateau often seen with other drugs.

• The Data: In Phase 2 trials, patients lost up to 20% of their weight in a year and maintained it without plateauing.
• Status: Currently in Phase 3 trials.

4. The “Easy” Pill: Orforglipron

Not everyone likes needles. While we have an oral version of semaglutide now, it has strict rules: you must take it on an empty stomach and wait 30 minutes before eating or drinking coffee.

Eli Lilly is developing Orforglipron, a daily pill that is much more user-friendly. It is a “small molecule” drug, meaning it does not have those strict food or timing restrictions.

• The Data: Trials showed meaningful weight loss (around 8-10% depending on the study group), and it was helpful at assisting people in maintaining weight they had already lost on injections.
• Status: Submitted to the FDA; a decision is expected later this year.

5. The Fast Actor: VK2735

A smaller company called Viking Therapeutics is making waves with a drug currently called VK2735. Like Zepbound, it targets both GLP-1 and GIP hormones. They are developing both an injection and a highly potent pill form.

• The Data: The oral version showed promising speed, helping patients lose 12% of their body weight in just 13 weeks. However, we are watching the side effects closely, as nausea was common in early trials.
• Status: Moving into Phase 3 trials.

6. The Future Science: Rejuva

This is the most futuristic concept on the list. Fractyl Health is working on Rejuva, which is a gene therapy.

The idea is a single treatment that teaches your body to produce more of its own GLP-1 naturally. It’s designed to boost production only when you eat, which might reduce side effects compared to drugs that keep hormone levels high all the time.

• Status: This is still very early (mostly animal studies showing ~30% weight loss so far), but human trials for diabetes are expected to start this year.

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What Should You Do While We Wait?

While these new treatments are exciting, you don’t need to wait for 2027 or 2028 to start your health journey. The current medications we use at Clinical Nutrition Center—including Wegovy and Zepbound—are highly effective when combined with our physician and dietitian-led lifestyle plans.

Ready to stop waiting and start losing?

• Schedule a Consultation: Meet with our team in Greenwood Village or via Telehealth.
• Visit the CNC Store: Browse our dietitian-approved supplements and protein options.
• Telehealth Portal: Current patients can message us directly with questions about these new upcoming therapies.