Unlocking the future of obesity treatment

Obesity is more than a number on the scale - it’s a complex, malignant disease linked to diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and even certain cancers. The need for innovative solutions has never been greater.

In this exclusive pharmaphorum video, Professor Thomas Forst, Chief Medical Officer at hVIVO, shares groundbreaking insights into the evolving landscape of obesity treatment and the transformative role of GLP-1 receptor agonists.

GLP-1 receptor agonists have captured global attention for their ability to drive weight loss and improve metabolic health. But, as Professor Forst explains, these therapies are far more than a quick fix - they represent a veritable paradigm shift in managing obesity and its associated comorbidities.

In this engaging discussion with pharmaphorum's web editor Nicole Raleigh, discover:

• Why obesity is more than excess weight - and why fat distribution matters.
• The science behind GLP-1 receptor agonists and their impact on cardiovascular risk, diabetes, and beyond.
• Emerging treatments: dual and triple agonists, oral molecules, and what’s next in the pipeline.
• The critical role of lifestyle interventions alongside pharmacological advances.

Whether you’re a pharma leader, healthcare innovator, or clinical researcher, this conversation offers actionable insights into one of the most pressing health challenges of our time.

Watch the full video now and gain expert perspectives that could shape the future of obesity care.

About the interviewee

Professor Thomas Andreas Forst is Chief Medical Officer at hVIVO, serving at Clinical Research Services (CRS), part of the hVIVO Group, since 2018. Previously, he was CEO and Director for Medical Science at Profil Institute Mainz (2013-2018) and CEO and Medical Director of the Institute for Clinical Research and Development in Mainz (2001-2013). From 1999-2001, he served as Clinical Research Physician at Eli Lilly Indianapolis, overseeing clinical trials for cardiometabolic disease treatments.

A board-certified physician specializing in internal medicine and endocrinology, Professor Forst began his career in 1989 at the German Diabetes Research Institute. He joined Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz in 1991, earning credentials in Internal Medicine (1996) and Endocrinology (1997). Appointed Professor of Internal Medicine in 2006, he continues training medical students today.

About hVIVO

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hVIVO is a full-service early phase CRO offering end-to-end drug development services from preclinical consultancy through to Phase III clinical trials, including world leading end-to-end human challenge trials services. With decades of experience in rapidly delivering data for our global client base, our team brings together strategic insight and operational expertise to deliver a variety of clinical study types across multiple locations.

To support rapid study start-up and reliable delivery, our dedicated recruitment teams in Germany and the UK provide direct access to both healthy volunteers and patient populations. This is complemented by our integrated drug development consultancy as well as our infectious disease and immunology laboratories and biobanking services.

Learn more about how hVIVO is helping to drive innovation in cardiometabolic research through deep expertise, advanced diagnostics, and end-to-end clinical support.