Obesity treatment drug Ozempic and Wegovy are being replaced by Amicretin.

Introduction: The Current Era of 'Losing Weight with Medicine'

Obesity has now transcended mere appearance issues to become a significant health concern for modern individuals. Due to the westernization of global dietary habits and a decrease in physical activity, the population affected by obesity continues to grow, leading to an increase in health problems such as metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, and type 2 diabetes. Traditionally, obesity treatment has focused on dietary control and exercise however, these methods have limitations, including low long-term success rates and the need for dramatic lifestyle changes. As a new solution, weight loss through pharmaceuticals has emerged, with GLP-1 analogs such as Ozempic and Wegovy highlighted as prominent examples. Although they were developed as treatments for diabetes, their remarkable weight loss effects have also led to their application in obesity treatment. Recently, a new drug, Amicretin, which has even stronger weight loss effects, has gained attention through clinical results, raising hopes of reducing body weight by a quarter.

Main Point 1: The Emergence of Amicretin and Clinical Data

The clinical results of Amicretin announced in mid-2025 have had a significant impact on the obesity treatment market. In a clinical trial where a high dose (60mg) was administered via subcutaneous injection once a week, participants showed an average weight reduction of 24.3%. This represents a much higher level of weight loss effect compared to existing medications, drawing attention from the medical community and the media. Amicretin is not yet an official product name, but reports indicate that it is being developed by global pharmaceutical companies Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly. The clinical trial showed a clear efficacy difference compared to the placebo group, with some patient groups experiencing weight loss exceeding 30%. While the exact mechanism of action for Amicretin has not been revealed, it is suggested that metabolic regulatory mechanisms similar to GLP-1 analogs may be in play. Current data indicates that Amicretin is involved in various weight control pathways such as appetite suppression, delayed gastric emptying, and increased insulin secretion. However, since the drug is still in the clinical stage, further verification is needed regarding long-term safety, side effects, and interactions. Some subjects reported side effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, headaches, and fatigue, while rare cases of suspected gastritis or pancreatitis were also noted.

Main Argument 2: Comparison with Existing Drugs and Global Trends

The leading drugs in the obesity treatment market so far are Novo Nordisk's Semaglutide (brand name: Wegovy) and Eli Lilly's Tirzepatide (brand names: Mounjaro or Zepbound). Semaglutide was originally developed as a diabetes treatment but was expanded to an obesity treatment indication once its weight loss effect was proven. Wegovy has been shown to reduce average body weight by about 15% over a 68-week treatment period. Tirzepatide is a dual-action agent combining GIP and GLP-1, offering better effects on appetite suppression and insulin sensitivity improvement compared to single-action agents. Research indicated that approximately 20.9% of body weight was reduced after 72 weeks of treatment. Recently, the trend of combination agents has been gaining momentum, and Novo Nordisk's CagriSema, which combines Cagrilintide and Semaglutide, has also received attention for demonstrating a 20.4% weight reduction over a 68-week period. This trend shows that obesity treatment is evolving beyond simple fat removal to managing metabolic diseases and achieving long-term health goals. The focus of drug development is also expanding from just weight loss to include metabolic improvement, cardiovascular health recovery, and diabetes prevention as comprehensive health indicators.

Main Point 3: Korean Market and Introduction Possibility

The trend of obesity treatment is not an exception in the Korean market either. Wegovy received domestic approval in April 2022 and is scheduled to be sold starting in October 2024. However, initially, only a limited supply was provided due to issues with supply and demand, lack of insurance coverage, and high costs. Patients need to receive prescriptions from clinics, and the cost of the medication can reach hundreds of thousands of won, creating a significant financial burden for individuals. On the other hand, Amicretin is currently in the pre-approval stage with the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, and the timing of its introduction to the Korean market remains uncertain. While clinical data shows positive prospects, it is expected to take several years for it to actually reach distribution. In the Korean market, factors such as the drug's efficacy, safety, social acceptability, insurance coverage, and regulatory policies play important roles. Currently, the Korean health authorities define obesity as a 'medical condition worthy of treatment,' but there are still instances of obesity treatment being used for cosmetic purposes, raising concerns about abuse. If new high-efficacy treatments are introduced, it will be essential to establish usage criteria and a management system.

Conclusion: The Future of Drug-Based Obesity Treatment

Next-generation obesity treatments, including Amicretin, are showing new possibilities for losing more than a quarter of body weight with a single drug. This represents not just a medical achievement but a significant turning point closely linked to changing social perceptions of obesity. While obesity was historically viewed as a result of 'personal laziness,' it is now understood as a complex product of genetic factors, metabolic abnormalities, and environmental conditions. Amid this shift, drug therapy has come to be recognized as a legitimate treatment, with new medications offering patients a variety of options and contributing to improved quality of life. However, there are still challenges to address, such as the potential for misuse of new drugs, unrealistic expectations, and a lack of information on long-term side effects. In the future, it will be necessary to establish usage guidelines based on scientific evidence and ensure accessibility at the public health level. When insurance coverage for expensive treatments, long-term safety reviews, and systems for education and monitoring are fully implemented, drug-based obesity treatment can become a true medical innovation. The message of a drug that reduces one-fourth of body weight goes beyond mere numbers, indicating a shift in humanity's attitude toward obesity and a new understanding of the disease. This aligns with the direction of future healthcare, and we can look forward to the emergence of more refined and effective medications.