Abstract: Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) is an endocrine hormone that belongs to the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) superfamily, which plays a role by binding to the glial cell line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF)-family receptor α-like (GFRAL)-rearranged during transfection (RET) heterodimer receptor. A number of studies have confirmed that GDF15, as a biomarker for obesity, diabetes, tumors, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, ischemic diseases, and so on, has become a new target for new drug discovery. At present, pharmaceutical companies around the world are carrying out drug discovery with GDF15 as a new therapeutic target involving many therapeutic areas such as anti-obesity, anti-tumor, and treatment of anorexia syndrome. Comprehensive analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of the GDF15 target, discussion, and objective evaluation of research and development of new drugs based on GDF15 will provide a scientific basis for the discovery of innovative drugs that could relieve the human suffering from illness.