Amgen has announced promising results from a phase 2 clinical trial of its monthly weight loss drug, MariTide. The trial found that participants who took MariTide lost an average of 20% of their body weight over 52 weeks, compared to just 2.6% in the placebo group.
MariTide is unique in that it contains a monoclonal antibody that helps the drug stay in the body longer, allowing patients to take it once a month instead of weekly. This could make it an attractive option for patients who have difficulty sticking to daily medication regimens.
The trial also found that MariTide improved blood sugar levels and reduced heart disease risk factors, including blood pressure, inflammation, and cholesterol levels. These results are comparable to those seen with other GLP-1 medications, such as Wegovy and Mounjaro.
Amgen plans to run a 72-week phase 3 trial of MariTide in the coming months, which will help determine its safety and efficacy in treating weight loss and Type 2 diabetes. The company also notes that the drug’s side effects are similar to those seen with other GLP-1 medications, mainly gastrointestinal issues.
While Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy and Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro remain dominant players in the market, Amgen’s entry could bring new options for patients who may not respond well to existing treatments. The growing field of weight loss and Type 2 diabetes medications is expected to continue expanding with several new drugs in development.
As Dr. Michelle Ponder, an assistant professor of medicine at Duke University, noted, “The more options, the better.” Having multiple manufacturers producing weight loss medications can help expand access to patients who may not be able to afford or find existing treatments.
Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/monthly-weight-loss-drug-helps-people-lose-20-body-weight-trial-finds-rcna214080