Pharmaceutical companies, including Amgen Inc AMGN and Pfizer Inc PFE, are strategically positioning themselves to tap into the burgeoning obesity market.
The pursuit involves developing innovative drugs or engaging in strategic acquisitions to compete with established players such as Novo Nordisk A/S NVO and Eli Lilly And Co LLY.
At the JPMorgan health conference, Amgen unveiled plans for an experimental dual mechanism obesity drug currently in mid-stage trials.
In its presentation, Amgen noted that MariTide (maridebart cafraglutide) is in Phase 2 study, with data readout anticipated in late 2024.
The company is also developing AMG 786 oral small molecule, currently in Phase 1 study, with data readout anticipated in 1H 2024.
Citing Amgen Chief Scientific Officer Jay Bradner, Reuters noted that the goal is to offer a product with fewer side effects and less frequent dosing than the market leaders, Wegovy and Zepbound, developed by Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, respectively.
Boehringer Ingelheim, in collaboration with Danish biotech Zealand Pharma, is pioneering an obesity treatment targeting GLP-1 and another hormone, glucagon. This dual approach aims not only to suppress appetite but also to increase energy expenditure.
Similar drugs are being developed by Merck & Co Inc MRK and Altimmune Inc ALT.
Despite the challenges posed by Novo and Lilly's advanced-stage obesity drugs, pharmaceutical companies like Bayer AG BAYRY BAYZF and Pfizer are eager to enter the market.
Bayer's pharmaceuticals head, Stefan Oelrich, expressed a willingness to explore partnerships, emphasizing the importance of expertise in navigating the obesity landscape.
Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla highlighted the company's commitment to the obesity market.
Drugmakers are testing these drugs for other health benefits, such as lowering cardiovascular disease risk and obstructive sleep apnea.
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