- In May 2025, a comprehensive review published in Nature reaffirmed the role of pancreatic lipase inhibitors, particularly orlistat, in obesity management. The report highlighted orlistat’s established mechanism of action—blocking dietary fat absorption—and its continued relevance in clinical use despite gastrointestinal side effects. The study further emphasized the potential for reformulations to enhance tolerability and efficacy
- In March 2025, a new wave of clinical interest emerged around cetilistat, a next-generation pancreatic lipase inhibitor. Phase 2 clinical trial data revealed that cetilistat demonstrated comparable weight loss outcomes to orlistat but with significantly fewer gastrointestinal side effects, positioning it as a more tolerable therapeutic option
- In April 2025, Fierce Biotech reported that over 120 novel obesity therapies are under development globally, including several formulations focused on lipase inhibition. Among them, natural and herbal combinations—such as flavonoids and alkaloids—are being explored for their synergistic effects with orlistat, potentially reducing adverse effects and improving patient compliance
- In February 2025, Medscape issued updated clinical guidance for the use of orlistat, highlighting the importance of pairing the drug with a low-fat diet and supplementing fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) to mitigate potential nutritional deficiencies. These recommendations aim to optimize therapeutic outcomes while minimizing side effects
