Nausea Relief Could Unlock Wider Use of Weight Loss Drugs, Vanda Pharma Reports

NEW YORK, NY – November 17, 2025 – A significant hurdle to wider adoption of increasingly popular weight loss drugs like Wegovy may be overcome thanks to promising clinical trial results from Vanda Pharmaceuticals. The company announced positive topline data for its drug, tradipitant, demonstrating a substantial reduction in nausea and vomiting experienced by overweight and obese adults taking Wegovy. This breakthrough could not only improve patient experiences but also unlock the full potential of the rapidly growing GLP-1 agonist market.

Addressing a Key Obstacle to Treatment

For many, the promise of effective weight loss with drugs like Wegovy is tempered by debilitating side effects, primarily nausea and vomiting. These gastrointestinal issues are a major reason patients discontinue treatment, with estimates suggesting that 30-50% stop using GLP-1 agonists due to these adverse effects. “The side effects are tough. It's not just a little discomfort; it can be really disruptive to daily life,” said one patient anonymously in an online support forum. Vanda’s Phase 2 trial of 116 overweight/obese adults receiving Wegovy, revealed that tradipitant significantly reduced vomiting by 50% compared to a placebo group. This translates to a reduction from 58.6% experiencing vomiting in the placebo group to just 29.3% in the tradipitant group (p=0.0016). Furthermore, the combination of vomiting and significant nausea was reduced by 42.6% (p=0.0039).

This data suggests that tradipitant could allow more patients to stay on their medication long enough to experience the intended benefits. Experts believe that improving adherence is crucial, as the current discontinuation rates limit the impact of these potentially life-changing medications. “If you can minimize the side effects and keep people on the drug, you’ll see a much bigger impact on overall health,” commented an independent physician specializing in obesity.

The Expanding GLP-1 Market and Competitive Landscape

The GLP-1 agonist market is currently booming, valued at over $50 billion and projected to reach well over $100 billion in the next few years. Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly dominate this space with drugs like Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Zepbound. However, the demand for these medications often outstrips supply, leading to shortages and accessibility challenges. Beyond supply issues, maintaining patient adherence remains a significant hurdle. Vanda's approach – targeting the side effects rather than competing directly with the established players – represents a novel strategy.

“It’s a smart move,” stated a pharmaceutical analyst. “Instead of trying to create another GLP-1, they’re focusing on making the existing drugs more tolerable. This could open up a significant niche market.” The success of tradipitant could also put pressure on competitors like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly to address side effects more effectively, potentially through combination therapies or improved formulations. Both companies are heavily investing in expanding manufacturing capacity, but addressing the patient experience is equally critical.

Beyond Weight Loss: Tradipitant's Broader Potential

While the current focus is on GLP-1 induced nausea and vomiting, tradipitant’s history suggests a wider range of potential applications. Originally licensed from Eli Lilly, the drug is a neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor antagonist, originally explored for indications like gastroparesis, motion sickness, and even anxiety. The drug recently received a Complete Response Letter from the FDA for gastroparesis, which Vanda contests, and is currently under review for motion sickness with a decision expected in December. “The NK-1 receptor plays a role in a variety of physiological processes, including nausea, vomiting, and pain perception,” explained a researcher specializing in gastrointestinal disorders. “This suggests that tradipitant could have applications beyond just GLP-1 induced side effects.”

Vanda plans to initiate a Phase 3 trial for GLP-1 induced nausea and vomiting in the first half of 2026. If successful, the company hopes to position tradipitant as an adjunct therapy to GLP-1 agonists, enhancing patient tolerability and improving treatment outcomes. The company is also actively pursuing approval for motion sickness, potentially creating multiple revenue streams. This diversified approach could solidify Vanda’s position as a leader in therapies targeting nausea and vomiting. The company’s ability to navigate regulatory hurdles and secure market access will be crucial to realizing its full potential.