GLP-1 Obesity Drugs Surpass Oncology in Pharmaceutical R&D Returns
Obesity treatments have become the leading driver of pharmaceutical research and development gains, surpassing oncology. A Deloitte partner highlighted concentration risks for companies reliant on these drugs. Plus-size model Ashley Graham described the trend as disheartening for body positivity efforts.
medpagetoday.comObesity drugs have displaced oncology as the largest contributor to pharmaceutical R&D returns. GLP-1 drugs are used for weight loss and diabetes. While these drugs have become transformative for patients and health systems, they present a concentration risk for pharmaceutical companies, Deloitte Life Sciences and Healthcare Partner Hanno Ronte said.
She called the GLP-1 trend 'a smack in the face' to the body positivity movement. Graham is a mother of three. She has three sons named Isaac, aged 6, and twins Malachi and Roman, aged 4, with her husband Justin Ervin.
Graham and Ervin have been married since August 2010. Graham is a plus-size model who broke through barriers in the fashion world. She covers Marie Claire’s new Motherhood issue, where she shared her views on the effects of the GLP-1 trend on body positivity.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
6 events- 2026-05-04
Ashley Graham shares statements on GLP-1 drugs in Marie Claire interview, calling the trend disheartening.
1 sourcenypost.com - 2026-05-04
Obesity drugs reported to have displaced oncology as largest contributor to pharma R&D returns.
1 sourceCnbc - 2026-05-04
Hanno Ronte discusses concentration risk of GLP-1 drugs for pharma companies.
1 sourceCnbc - 2010-08
Ashley Graham marries Justin Ervin.
1 sourcenypost.com - 2020
Birth of Ashley Graham's son Isaac (now aged 6).
1 sourcenypost.com - 2022
Birth of Ashley Graham's twins Malachi and Roman (now aged 4).
1 sourcenypost.com
Potential Impact
- 01
Pharma companies may experience revenue volatility from concentration in GLP-1 drug markets.
- 02
Increased focus on obesity drugs may shift pharma investments away from oncology research.
- 03
Public discourse on weight loss drugs could influence consumer behavior and health system demands.
- 04
Body positivity movement could face setbacks due to rising popularity of weight loss drugs.
- 05
Fashion industry trends might revert to favoring thinner models, affecting plus-size representation.
Transparency Panel
Related Stories
The TimesTrump Nominates Dr. Nicole Saphier for Surgeon General After Previous Nominee Withdraws
President Trump announced Dr. Nicole Saphier, a 44-year-old radiologist and Fox News contributor, as his nominee for U.S. surgeon general on Thursday, following the withdrawal of Dr. Casey Means due to insufficient Senate support. Saphier, who authored a book titled Make America…
Usa TodaySupreme Court Considers Cancer Warning Requirement for Monsanto's Roundup
The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments on whether Monsanto must add a cancer warning to its Roundup weedkiller, following a $1.25 million verdict awarded to plaintiff John Durnell. The case examines if federal EPA regulations preempt state court lawsuits over labeling. The Trump…
StatNancy Cox, Former CDC Influenza Division Leader, Dies at 77 from Glioblastoma
Nancy Cox, who led the CDC's influenza team for 22 years and contributed to global flu surveillance, died Thursday from glioblastoma. She was 77. Colleagues praised her role in pandemic preparedness and vaccine development.