In recent news, Pfizer has announced its plans to move forward with a once-daily version of its weight loss pill, danuglipron, following positive data from an early-stage study. This decision comes after the pharmaceutical giant evaluated various formulations of the drug and identified one with the most promising safety profile and efficacy.
According to Pfizer, more early-stage trials are scheduled to be conducted in the second half of the year to determine the optimal dosage of the drug. The results of these trials are expected to be released in the first quarter of next year, with the aim of informing the registration enabling studies required for regulatory approval.
Pfizer is competing with other drugmakers to gain a share of the rapidly growing market for weight loss and diabetes drugs known as GLP-1 agonists. Analysts predict that this market could be valued at approximately $100 billion by the end of the decade. However, Pfizer has faced challenges in entering this market, with the discontinuation of a twice-daily version of danuglipron in December due to tolerability issues.
Investors have expressed skepticism about Pfizer’s prospects in the GLP-1 space, especially following the previous discontinuation of a once-daily pill in June 2023 due to liver safety concerns. These setbacks, along with the decline of Pfizer’s Covid business, have impacted the company’s stock performance. Despite these challenges, Pfizer remains committed to developing innovative obesity treatments.
Pfizer has a robust pipeline of experimental obesity drugs in various stages of development, although specific details about these treatments have not been disclosed. The company’s CEO, Albert Bourla, believes that GLP-1s represent only a fraction of the potential innovations in the field of obesity treatment. Danuglipron, Pfizer’s GLP-1, works similarly to other drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic by mimicking a gut hormone that signals satiety to the brain.
Pfizer’s decision to pursue a once-daily version of danuglipron represents a significant step forward in the development of innovative weight loss treatments. While challenges remain in the competitive landscape of obesity drugs, Pfizer’s ongoing commitment to research and development positions the company as a key player in shaping the future of obesity treatment.
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