Mar 7, 2024,12:28pm EST
Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer behind Ozempic, has hinted at a potential successor to its widely successful weight loss drug Wegovy. This revelation comes amidst a flurry of activity in the development of next-generation obesity treatments, with consumers increasingly drawn to powerful medications. Competitors like Eli Lilly, Pfizer, and a host of startups are also vying for a slice of the lucrative market.
During an investor event, Novo Nordisk unveiled data from an early stage clinical trial of a promising weight loss drug named amycretin. This oral treatment showed remarkable efficacy, outperforming Wegovy by helping patients shed 13% of their weight over a 12-week period, compared to Wegovy’s 6% weight loss rate.
Amycretin is designed to merge the functionalities of two distinct drugs into a single molecule, targeting the hormones GLP-1 and amylin, which play crucial roles in hunger regulation and blood sugar levels.
Novo Nordisk is additionally exploring a subcutaneous version of amycretin, administered through regular injections like Wegovy and other drugs. However, data from this ongoing early stage trial is not expected until approximately 2025.
Despite the promising trial results, it will likely be several years before amycretin becomes available to consumers. Further trials, including a larger Phase 2 trial slated to commence in the second half of the year, will be necessary to thoroughly assess its efficacy and safety.
Novo Nordisk’s stock surged to new heights following the announcement, with its market capitalization reaching almost $610 billion. Analysts project that the obesity drug market could be valued at $100 billion by the end of the decade, underscoring the potential for growth in this sector. Novo Nordisk, alongside Eli Lilly, currently dominates the market and is expected to maintain its position for the foreseeable future.