{"id":10093,"date":"2026-01-08T12:59:39","date_gmt":"2026-01-08T11:59:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/galenika.com\/?p=10093"},"modified":"2026-01-08T14:04:31","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T13:04:31","slug":"innovation-for-a-healthier-future-true-revolution-in-obesity-treatment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/galenika.com\/en\/innovation-for-a-healthier-future-true-revolution-in-obesity-treatment\/","title":{"rendered":"Innovation for a healthier future -True revolution in obesity treatment"},"content":{"rendered":"

In 2025, pharmaceutical company Galenika has marked its significant jubilee – 80 years since its foundation. After 80 years of being devoted to people and dedicated to health, Galenika has become synonymous with quality, reliability, and innovation, building the reputation of a domestic pharmaceutical powerhouse that can compete with leading European and global drug manufacturers.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

This was an opportunity to reflect on the company\u2019s history, its importance for the pharmaceutical industry not only in Serbia, but also to look ahead at\u00a0what is in the pipeline. We talked to the Galenika CEO, Ricardo Vian Marques, about the global obesity phenomenon, the Galenika solution, and also the term better health, which is being exploited globally.<\/p>\n

Galenika\u2019s impact on our society has certainly been immense. How do you feel as the first man of the company celebrating this important jubilee?<\/h3>\n

Eighty years is quite a span and an amazing achievement of generations of Galenika employees. The company has not only witnessed the immense progress of medicine and the pharmaceutical industry, but has in fact been an active participant. Eight decades ago, Galenika founders believed that science and compassion could shape a healthier world. We have honoured that promise across generations, helping people live healthier lives.<\/p>\n

Our mission has remained the same throughout all these years \u2014 to improve patients\u2019 health and quality of life.<\/strong> But while this jubilee is about reflecting on the past, it is also about the future and where we go next! If I had to choose one word for the future, it would be innovation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

When you reflect on 2025, what would you say was the most important achievement of Galenika in this jubilee year?<\/h3>\n

Galenika announced a major breakthrough in obesity treatment \u2013 the introduction of a modern GLP-1 analog molecule designed for the treatment of obesity and being overweight patients with risk factors. This product is a part of a broad peptide platform that Galenika is developing in partnership with its sister company EMS from Brazil<\/strong> \u2013 the leading pharmaceutical manufacturer in Brazil and South America. <\/strong><\/p>\n

Our first peptide-based anti-obesity and diabetes medicines have already been launched in Brazil and registered in Serbia, and are awaiting commercial launch in sales within the next months in Serbia, followed by the region. So, at this point, I can say with certainty that we are ready to embrace the future of healthcare through innovation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Could you please explain what GLP-1 actually means?<\/h3>\n

This is a modern GLP-1 analog molecule registered for the treatment of obesity and overweight in combination with certain comorbidities. Galenika is the first generic pharmaceutical company in Serbia to register this medicine for the domestic market.<\/strong> This is an important step for us, as it marks our entry into peptide-based therapies \u2014 and into a therapeutic area with major impact on public health. We expect it to become available on the Serbian market in early 2026.<\/p>\n

GLP-1 analogs represent a true revolution in obesity treatment.<\/strong> Their mechanism of action is physiological \u2014 they increase satiety, reduce hunger, and influence glucose metabolism. This molecule belongs to a generation that has been used the longest in clinical practice, with high efficacy and a favorable safety profile supported by extensive clinical studies. Another advantage is the option of gradual dose titration, which gives both the physician and the patient greater control over potential side effects and improves comfort during the adjustment phase of therapy.<\/p>\n

In addition to the obesity treatment that we will soon introduce, Galenika\u2019s GLP-1 therapy for type 2 diabetes<\/strong> will also become available on the market. In this way, we are entering one of the most important therapeutic areas in modern diabetes care.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Why is obesity all of sudden so important topic around the world?<\/h3>\n

Obesity is a chronic, multifactorial disease that leads to a range of serious complications \u2014 type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiometabolic disorders, and many others. It is not a matter of aesthetics, but of health and life expectancy.<\/p>\n

One of our goals is to raise awareness: obesity must be treated professionally, systematically, and with appropriate therapeutic support.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended the use of anti-obesity drugs GLP-1 to combat the growth of the disease and the related conditions, together of course with recommendations that include a healthy diet, exercise and medical support.<\/p>\n

The WHO even compared the need to expand access to weight-loss drugs with the push for HIV drugs access in the 1980s.<\/p>\n

In short: obesity numbers have risen fast, the consequences are becoming impossible to ignore, and the issue now affects nearly every region of the world. Several factors are driving the attention.<\/p>\n

Can you name a few of these factors?<\/h3>\n

Obesity rates are rising everywhere<\/em>, not just in wealthy countries <\/strong>to start with. For years it was viewed as a problem mainly in high-income nations. Now rates are increasing rapidly in low- and middle-income countries too. This makes it a truly global concern.<\/p>\n

Childhood obesity has surged <\/strong>and represents a major alarm bell: more children and teenagers are becoming overweight or obese. That means more people may face chronic diseases at younger ages, creating long-term health and economic strain.<\/p>\n

Health systems are feeling the impact since <\/strong>obesity dramatically increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, certain types of cancers, joint problems, and mental-health issues. These conditions are expensive to treat, and the rapid growth in obesity is putting pressure on healthcare systems. Also, during COVID-19 pandemic, obesity was linked to more severe outcomes.<\/p>\n

Food and lifestyle are major factors, too. <\/strong>Ultra-processed, low-cost foods are now widely available. Combined with more sedentary lifestyles, this has created a perfect storm. Governments and organizations are now paying more attention to the structural causes, not just individual choices.<\/p>\n

\u201cBetter health\u201d is a term very often heard. What does it mean for you?<\/h3>\n

For me it is the vision for the Future of Healthcare. It is about ongoing efforts to provide patients with modern, effective therapeutic options that improve their health and quality of life.<\/p>\n

By introducing GLP-1 therapies, Galenika demonstrates its commitment to innovation and continues to build trust. For example, a new generation of medicines, including peptide therapies, enables more effective and targeted treatment options. By combining tradition, scientific expertise, and embracing innovation, Galenika is setting the standard for the future of the pharmaceutical industry in Serbia and the region, demonstrating that innovation and quality can go hand in hand.<\/p>\n

Looking ahead at 2026, how do you see the pharma industry?<\/h3>\n

The pharmaceutical industry is undergoing rapid transformation \u2014 from digitalized production and biotechnology advances to the application of AI and a growing awareness of health and disease prevention. By advancing science, we are improving lives.<\/p>\n

Galenika is committed to meeting the challenges of the modern market by combining long-standing expertise with innovation, creating products that improve the lives of patients. As we step into the new year and our next decade, our focus is not only to continue healing, but to anticipate the needs of tomorrow. We will double down on innovation, deepen our partnerships and above all \u2013 keep the patients at the centre of everything we do. \u00a0Let`s make the future – bold, humane and extraordinary.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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