Obesity - Global Clinical Trial Landscape (2025)

Obesity is a complex, multifactorial disease with growing global prevalence and significant health burdens, including increased risks for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Recent advances in biomedical research have led to the identification of novel biomarkers—such as adipokines, inflammatory cytokines, and genetic indicators—that not only elucidate the pathophysiology of obesity but also enhance patient stratification and therapeutic targeting in clinical trials. The emergence of precision medicine has further expanded the use of these biomarkers to monitor treatment efficacy and predict patient response. Concurrently, the clinical trial landscape for obesity is undergoing transformation, with a rising number of investigational therapies targeting metabolic pathways, appetite regulation, and energy expenditure. This report analyzes the current state of global and Asia-Pacific obesity trials, highlighting regional trends, sponsor activity, and preferred endpoints. Strategic insights from this analysis are critical for biopharmaceutical sponsors aiming to navigate regulatory pathways, optimize site selection, and enhance enrollment efficiency in this rapidly evolving therapeutic area.