May 29 | 1. CSPC enters a $18.5 billion global licensing deal with AstraZeneca for peptide platform (including GLP-1 pipeline)

Key Highlights: The deal comprises an upfront payment of $1.2 billion and a total potential value of up to $18.5 billion, setting a new record for outbound licensing by a Chinese pharmaceutical firm. Licensed assets include the LiquidGel long-acting delivery technology, AI-powered peptide design platform, and SYH2082, a Phase I GLP-1R/GIPR dual agonist.

May 29 | 2. Zhejiang Chinese Peptide completes FDA DMF filing for Tirzepatide API

Key Highlights: As a leading domestic peptide manufacturer, the company has achieved compliant overseas launch of the blockbuster GLP-1 active pharmaceutical ingredient. Its tonne-scale cGMP production capacity now supplies global formulation partners, marking full integration into the mainstream global supply chain for GLP-1 products.

May 22 | 3. EU CHMP recommends approval of Novo Nordisk’s oral Wegovy (25mg oral semaglutide)

Key Highlights: This is the first oral GLP-1 agent recommended for weight management in the EU. Phase III OASIS 4 results showed an average weight loss of 16.6% across participants, with one-third achieving weight loss of 20% or more; its efficacy is comparable to the 2.4mg injectable Wegovy. The positive opinion also includes cardiovascular benefit data. The product is scheduled for launch across Europe in H2 2026.

May 21 | 4. Lilly’s Retatrutide (GLP-1/GIP/GCG triple agonist) succeeds in Phase III weight management trial

Key Highlights: Top-line results have been released for the world’s first triple-target peptide anti-obesity drug. In the Phase III TRIUMPH-1 trial, the 12mg dose delivered an average weight loss of 28.3% over 80 weeks. For patients with severe obesity, the maximum weight reduction reached 38.5kg, with efficacy approaching that of bariatric surgery.

May 13 | 5. Duke University unveils breakthrough universal oral peptide delivery technology

Key Highlights: A temperature/pH dual-responsive elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) delivery system has been developed. It forms protective particles in the stomach and enables targeted drug release in the intestines. The oral GLP-1 formulation delivers weight-loss efficacy equivalent to injectables without requiring fasting. The technology supports large-scale manufacturing and is applicable to a broad range of peptides, including insulin, HIV therapeutics and osteoporosis treatments.

May 13 | 6. Fractyl Health’s GLP-1 gene therapy RJVA-001 obtains Phase I/II clinical approval in the Netherlands

Key Highlights: The world’s first AAV-mediated GLP-1 gene therapy advances into clinical development. A single injection enables long-term GLP-1 expression in the body, pioneering a new therapeutic direction for diabetes and obesity. Initial clinical data is expected to be released in H2 2026.

May 8 | 7. U.S. CMS announces Medicare coverage for GLP-1 weight-loss medications

Key Highlights: Starting July 2026, Medicare will expand coverage to three GLP-1 anti-obesity drugs: Wegovy, Zepbound and Foundayo, on a large scale for the first time in the U.S. Beneficiaries will pay approximately $50 per month out of pocket, which is expected to drive substantial growth of the global GLP-1 market.

May 4 | 8. Novo Nordisk launches oral semaglutide for diabetes under the Ozempic brand in the U.S.

Key Highlights: The company rebranded its oral semaglutide for type 2 diabetes from Rybelsus to align with the Ozempic product portfolio. Launched in the U.S. on May 4, 2026, it is available in 1.5mg, 4mg and 9mg strengths for once-daily oral administration. Rybelsus was originally approved in 2019; this move represents brand consolidation rather than a new drug approval.

April 26 | 9. Boehringer Ingelheim & Zealand Pharma’s Survodutide (GLP-1/GCG dual agonist) completes long-term Phase III follow-up

Key Highlights: As the third leading dual-target GLP-1 candidate for obesity treatment worldwide, the drug has completed 76-week clinical follow-up and entered the final data readout phase. Full Phase III results are anticipated in H1 2026, which will further intensify competition among top-tier global GLP-1 developers.

April 1 | 10. Lilly’s Foundayo™ (orforglipron) receives FDA approval for chronic weight management

Key Highlights: This is the first approved non-peptide oral small-molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist. It is administered once daily with no fasting or dietary restrictions required. Data from the Phase III ATTAIN program showed an average weight loss of 12.4% at the highest dose over 72 weeks. Priced at $149–$349 per month depending on dosage, the product rolled out to U.S. pharmacies in Q2 2026. The marketing application for its type 2 diabetes indication was submitted by the end of Q2 2026.