Core Insights - The 85th American Diabetes Association (ADA) conference showcased innovative metabolic drugs, particularly focusing on weight loss medications, with GLP-1 agonists being a prominent research area [1][2] - Novo Nordisk reported that a higher dose of Wegovy (semaglutide 7.2 mg) resulted in an average weight reduction of 21% for obesity patients, with one-third of participants losing 25% or more of their body weight [1][4] - The competitive landscape includes multiple companies, with Novo Nordisk leading in the number of obesity drug pipelines, followed by Eli Lilly and several domestic firms [1][6] Company Developments - Novo Nordisk's STEP UP trial demonstrated significant weight loss effects with the higher dose of semaglutide, maintaining safety profiles consistent with existing GLP-1 medications [2][4] - Eli Lilly announced positive results for its oral small molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist, Orforglipron, showing significant reductions in A1C levels and an average weight loss of 7.3 kg in the highest dose group [5] - Novo Nordisk plans to submit a label update for the higher dose of Wegovy in the EU by mid-2025, while Eli Lilly aims to submit Orforglipron for weight management approval by the end of this year [4][5] Industry Trends - The focus on innovative mechanisms for weight loss drugs includes long-acting, oral, multi-target, and muscle-preserving approaches, indicating a shift towards more effective treatment options [6][8] - The dual and triple-target GLP-1 agonists are gaining traction, with Eli Lilly's Retatrutide leading in global development, while several Chinese companies are advancing their products into clinical phases [7][8] - The market is seeing a growing number of combination therapies, with 13 dual-target and 9 multi-target combinations currently in development, totaling 88 related investigational drugs [7]