July 17, 2024
Life Sciences | Tea Leaves
  • Pfizer has unveiled plans to develop an oral daily medication for weight loss, similar to existing treatments like Ozempic and Zepbound. The pharmaceutical giant reported positive results from clinical trials of its oral GLP-1 agonist candidate danuglipron, indicating promising efficacy. Pfizer initially explored a twice-daily version of danuglipron but abandoned it due to significant side effects such as nausea and vomiting among participants. The company views obesity as a critical area of focus, with danuglipron as its lead candidate showing potential in both twice-daily and now once-daily formulations. GLP-1 drugs like danuglipron function by enhancing insulin secretion and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, mechanisms also utilized by injectable GLP-1 medications such as Wegovy and Mounjaro. Since 2019, oral GLP-1 medications have been available, with Rybelsus being the first FDA-approved once-daily oral treatment for type 2 diabetes, used in conjunction with diet and exercise. (Articles here and here)