The future of the obesity drug market is shifting towards a variety of treatment options and improved patient access, according to top executives at the JPMorgan Healthcare Conference. Companies like Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk are expanding their menu of obesity treatments, including pills and combination regimens. Executives predict the market could reach $100 billion annually by 2030. Novo Nordisk’s GLP-1 pill for obesity and Lilly’s upcoming oral option are leading the charge in this evolving space.

The industry is exploring new approaches to weight loss, such as targeting how the body burns fat. Wave Life Sciences is developing an experimental injection to reduce a protein that slows fat burning, aiming to achieve weight loss without muscle loss. Lilly’s injectable drug, retatrutide, mimics hunger-regulating hormones to achieve significant weight loss. Combination regimens, like Structure Therapeutics’ oral GLP-1 and amylin drugs, are expected to be the next phase of treatment.

Improving patient access to obesity drugs is a priority for the industry. Novo Nordisk’s pill is priced competitively, and upcoming Medicare coverage for obesity drugs is expected to increase access. Direct-to-consumer offerings are also growing, with companies like Lilly and Novo launching platforms to provide discounts. Executives anticipate societal pressure and employer coverage to further drive access to obesity treatments, potentially making the direct-to-consumer channel the fastest-growing segment in the space.

Read more at CNBC: Next steps for Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, Pfizer