Novo Nordisk announced significant weight loss results for its new drug, amycretin, in a phase 1b/2a study. Patients achieved 9.7% weight loss at 1.25 mg, 16.2% at 5 mg, and 22% at 20 mg over 36 weeks when adhering to treatment. These results suggest amycretin could be a valuable option for managing obesity.
Compared to Eli Lilly’s Zepbound, which showed an increase in weight loss from 20.9% after 36 weeks to 25.8% after 88 weeks, amycretin appears more promising despite initial concerns about plateauing effects beyond 36 weeks. Novo’s stock rose by 11%, reaching nearly $90 in premarket trading following the results.
While top-line data lacks details on safety and tolerability beyond general observations, Novo emphasized a consistent safety profile similar to other incretin therapies with mild adverse events. The company has already advanced its subcutaneous candidate alongside an oral program.
Analysts noted caveats regarding real-world application and potential overestimation of treatment effects due to adherence to protocol. Novo is exploring further clinical development but remains cautious about the approach for amycretin compared to its other candidates like Wegovy and CagriSema, which saw accelerated phase 3 progress earlier this year.
Source: https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/novo-nordisk-links-next-gen-obesity-drug-22-weight-loss-week-36-sending-stock-11