Pfizer Moves Forward with Once-Daily Weight Loss Pill

In a major development, Pfizer announced that it will move forward with the development of a once-daily version of its weight loss pill, danuglipron. This comes after the company released encouraging data from an ongoing early-stage trial.

Background

Pfizer is one of several drugmakers racing to create a highly popular class of weight loss and diabetes drugs called GLP-1 agonists. The industry is expected to be worth approximately $100 billion by the end of the decade.

The Product

Pfizer’s danuglipron is a GLP-1 agonist that promotes weight loss by mimicking a hormone produced in the gut called GLP-1, which signals to the brain when a person is full.

Key Points

Here are the key points from Pfizer’s announcement:

• Pfizer will move forward with the development of a once-daily version of danuglipron after encouraging data from an ongoing early-stage trial.
• The company identified one formulation as having the most favorable profile and will conduct studies in the second half of the year to identify the ideal dose of the drug.
• Shares of Pfizer rose more than 3% in premarket trading on the announcement.
• Pfizer discontinued a twice-daily version of danuglipron after patients had trouble tolerating the drug in a mid-stage study.
• Investors have been pessimistic about Pfizer’s potential in the GLP-1 space since it scrapped a different once-daily pill in June 2023.
• Pfizer has other experimental drugs in earlier stages of development, including one for obesity.

Racing to Compete

Pfizer is racing to compete with Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, which have injection-based GLP-1 agonists that have soared in demand despite their high prices and limited insurance coverage.

Oral Options

Injections have been in high demand, and there is a need for more convenient and cost-effective oral options. This has led Pfizer and other drugmakers to develop oral versions of GLP-1 agonists.

Potential Deals

Pfizer has not ruled out acquiring or partnering with a smaller obesity drugmaker. However, the company’s focus on cutting costs means it is unlikely to buy an obesity treatment in later-stage development. Instead, Pfizer may look for potential licensing deals or earlier-stage weight loss drugs.

Conclusion

Pfizer’s decision to move forward with the development of a once-daily version of danuglipron is a significant development in the weight loss and diabetes space. With other drugmakers racing to create more convenient and cost-effective oral options, this decision could be a game-changer in the industry.

FAQs

Q: What is GLP-1 agonist?
A: GLP-1 agonists are a class of weight loss and diabetes drugs that mimic a hormone produced in the gut called GLP-1.

Q: What is Pfizer’s danuglipron?
A: Pfizer’s danuglipron is a GLP-1 agonist that promotes weight loss by mimicking GLP-1, which signals to the brain when a person is full.

Q: Why did Pfizer discontinue a twice-daily version of danuglipron?
A: Pfizer discontinued the twice-daily version after patients had trouble tolerating the drug in a mid-stage study.

Q: Are there other experimental drugs in development?
A: Yes, Pfizer has other experimental drugs in earlier stages of development, including one for obesity.

Q: How much will the GLP-1 agonist industry be worth by the end of the decade?
A: The industry is expected to be worth approximately $100 billion by the end of the decade.

Author: www.cnbc.com

Orginal Source link