In therapies

1. Orforglipron (Eli Lilly)

Orforglipron is widely regarded as one of the most anticipated drugs of 2026. This oral GLP-1 receptor agonist is designed for obesity and type 2 diabetes, offering a tablet-based alternative to injectable GLP-1 therapies that have dominated recent years.

Analysts project that orforglipron could achieve more than $11 billion in obesity-related sales in G7 markets by 2031, with an additional $5.2 billion from diabetes indications.

Its significance lies not only in its efficacy but also in its accessibility: an oral formulation may broaden uptake among patients reluctant to use injectables, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape.

2. Ivonescimab (Akeso/Summit Therapeutics)

Ivonescimab is a first-in-class bispecific antibody targeting both PD-1 and VEGF, offering a dual mechanism approach to cancer treatment.

Recognised as one of the drugs set to shape 2026, it stands out as the only therapy on the list originating from a Chinese company’s independent R&D.

Its dual targeting design aims to enhance anti-tumour immune responses while inhibiting tumour angiogenesis, potentially improving outcomes in difficult to treat cancers. As oncology continues to shift towards precision and combination immunotherapies, ivonescimab represents a major step forward.

3. Kisunla (Eli Lilly)

Kisunla, highlighted alongside ivonescimab in FirstWord Pharma’s 2026 outlook, is Eli Lilly’s emerging Alzheimer’s therapy.

While details in the public domain remain limited, its inclusion among the year’s most influential drugs underscores the growing momentum behind disease modifying Alzheimer’s treatments.

With neurodegenerative diseases representing one of the greatest unmet medical needs globally, Kisunla could contribute to a new era of earlier intervention and slowed disease progression.

‘With obesity rates rising, the evolution of GLP 1 therapies represents one of the most impactful pharmaceutical trends of the decade’

4. Datroway (AstraZeneca/Daiichi Sankyo)

Another therapy spotlighted in the same industry analysis is Datroway, an antibody–drug conjugate (ADC) developed by AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo.

ADCs continue to gain traction as a precision oncology modality, delivering cytotoxic agents directly to cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. Datroway’s emergence reflects the broader trend of next-generation ADCs achieving improved targeting, reduced toxicity and expanded indications.

5. Next-generation GLP-1 therapies (multiple companies)

Beyond orforglipron, several next-generation GLP-1 based therapies are expected to reach pivotal milestones in 2026. Clarivate’s Drugs to Watch 2026 report highlights these agents as key drivers of future treatment paradigms for obesity and type 2 diabetes.

These therapies aim to improve metabolic outcomes, enhance weight loss, and offer more convenient dosing formats. With obesity rates rising globally, the continued evolution of GLP-1 therapies represents one of the most impactful pharmaceutical trends of the decade.

6. Targeted protein degraders for cancer

Protein degradation technologies are rapidly advancing, and Clarivate identifies targeted protein degraders as among the most promising oncology innovations expected to emerge in 2026.

Unlike traditional inhibitors, degraders eliminate disease-driving proteins entirely, offering a powerful strategy for cancers resistant to existing treatments. These therapies could open new avenues for tackling previously ‘undruggable’ targets, marking a significant shift in cancer drug development.

7. Precision medicines for rare diseases

Rare disease therapeutics continue to benefit from advances in genomics and molecular engineering. Clarivate’s analysis highlights several precision medicines expected to launch or gain approval in 2026, each designed to address specific genetic mutations or molecular pathways.

These therapies promise earlier diagnosis, more targeted intervention and improved quality of life for patients with conditions that historically lacked effective treatments.

As regulatory agencies increasingly support accelerated pathways for rare diseases, 2026 may see a notable expansion of available options.

8. New therapies in women’s health

Women’s health is another area poised for meaningful progress. According to Clarivate, several innovative therapies targeting conditions such as endometriosis, menopause-related symptoms and reproductive health are expected to emerge in 2026.

This reflects a broader industry shift towards addressing long neglected areas of female health, with improved formulations, novel mechanisms and expanded access likely to benefit millions of women worldwide.

9. Late-stage neurology, immunology and cardiology therapies

PharmiWeb’s analysis of anticipated 2026 drug launches highlights a diverse range of late-stage programmes across neurology, immunology and cardiology.

These include targeted biologics, next-generation cell and gene therapies, and improved small molecule agents.

Many of these therapies are expected to benefit from accelerated regulatory pathways, enabling faster patient access and potentially reshaping treatment standards in chronic and life-threatening conditions.

10. Five high-impact approvals in metabolic
and allergy care

Drug Discovery News identifies five late-stage therapies expected to secure approval in 2026, spanning obesity, diabetes, hypertension and allergy care.

These therapies introduce new mechanisms of action and novel delivery formats, such as improved oral agents and long-acting injectables.

Their arrival could significantly enhance patient adherence and outcomes in some of the world’s most prevalent chronic diseases.

Industry analysts estimate that the top ten drug launches of 2026 could collectively generate nearly $46 billion in annual sales by 2032, underscoring both their commercial significance and their potential to transform patient outcomes.

As these therapies progress through regulatory review and early commercial rollout, 2026 may well be remembered as a pivotal year – one that redefined treatment paradigms across multiple disease areas and set new standards across the pharmaverse.

John Pinching is Editor, PharmaTimes