As global rates of obesity continue to rise — with nearly 3 billion people overweight or obese in 2024, according to the World Obesity Federation — the demand for effective weight-loss therapies is higher than ever. Popular options like GLP-1 medications (Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound) have helped millions, but not everyone responds to them, and many experience limited weight reduction.
A new study has now introduced a promising alternative: eloralintide, a once-weekly injection that works through a different hormonal pathway and has delivered up to 20% weight loss in clinical trials.
Why a New Approach Is Needed
GLP-1 medications have surged in popularity, with 1 in 8 adults having taken one.
However, research shows that up to 17% of GLP-1 users experience little or no weight loss, highlighting the need for additional options.
Dr. Liana K. Billings, the lead author of the new clinical study, explains:
“Obesity is a complex chronic condition. Not everyone responds to GLP-1 therapies, which is why we need treatments that target different biological pathways.”
This diversification allows doctors to personalize weight-loss therapy so patients receive the treatment most compatible with their biology.
Eloralintide: A New Drug Targeting the Hormone Amylin
The experimental drug eloralintide, developed by Eli Lilly, works on a different hormone altogether — amylin.
What does amylin do?
Amylin is a hormone released by the pancreas during meals. It helps regulate:
- Appetite
- Gastric emptying
- Post-meal metabolism
Eloralintide mimics amylin as a selective amylin-agonist, acting in the brain to produce fullness, slower digestion, and improved metabolic processing — all critical to weight management.
Like GLP-1 drugs, eloralintide is given as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection.
Phase 2 Trial Results: Up to 20% Weight Loss
The Phase 2 study included 263 adults who were overweight or obese and had at least one obesity-related health condition (other than diabetes).
Participants received varying doses of eloralintide or a placebo.
Key findings after 48 weeks
💠 9–20% average weight loss among eloralintide users
💠 0.4% weight loss in the placebo group
💠 Up to 90% of participants improved by at least one BMI category
💠 No plateau in weight loss — suggesting continued reduction beyond 48 weeks
Dr. Billings notes:
“This level of weight loss can lead to improvements in hypertension, high cholesterol, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, and other weight-related conditions.”
Researchers also saw improvements in:
- Waist circumference
- Blood pressure
- Blood sugar levels
- Cholesterol and lipid profiles
- Inflammation biomarkers
Could Eloralintide Reduce Heart Disease Risk?
Because obesity is linked to cardiovascular disease, the drug’s improvements across multiple metabolic markers could indirectly lower heart disease risk.
Billings says:
“A therapy that improves weight, inflammation, lipids, blood pressure, and glucose could significantly reduce cardiovascular risk. But long-term studies are needed.”
Phase 3 trials will soon launch to collect safety and long-term effectiveness data required for regulatory approval.
Experts React: A Step Forward, But More Research Needed
Measured optimism among specialists
Dr. Jeffrey Kraft, Chief of General Surgery and bariatric specialist, says the results look encouraging — but cautions that long-term data is essential.
“The weight loss is impressive and comparable to GLP-1 medications. But we need multi-year data to understand safety and durability.”
He adds that having drugs with different mechanisms allows doctors to personalize treatment and help more patients succeed.
Why More Weight-Loss Options Matter
Bariatric surgeon Dr. Mir Ali says the study is exciting because it targets a different hormone system.
“Hunger and satiety involve many hormones. Some people may respond better to amylin agonists than GLP-1s. More options mean more personalized care.”
He also emphasizes cost as a major barrier.
“Current medications are extremely expensive and often not covered by insurance. More treatment choices could increase affordability.”
Conclusion: A Promising New Player in Obesity Treatment
Eloralintide could become one of the next major obesity treatments, offering:
- Weekly dosing
- A different hormonal target
- Up to 20% weight loss
- Significant metabolic improvements
While Phase 2 results are promising, the medical community is awaiting Phase 3 data to determine long-term safety, cardiovascular impact, and real-world effectiveness.
If successful, eloralintide may soon join GLP-1 medications as a powerful new tool in the global fight against obesity.
