In a significant development in the pharmaceutical industry, Pfizer has announced the discontinuation of its twice-daily experimental weight loss pill, danuglipron. The decision comes after a mid-stage clinical study revealed that, despite effective weight loss results, obese patients faced considerable challenges in tolerating the drug. This move has significant implications for Pfizer’s strategy in the lucrative weight loss drug market and raises questions about the future of oral weight loss treatments.
Pfizer made a pivotal decision to cease the development of the twice-daily version of danuglipron, citing high rates of mild, mainly adverse gastrointestinal side effects. This development is a setback to the company’s ambition to secure a share in the booming weight loss drug market, estimated by CEO Albert Bourla to reach $90 billion potentially.
The pharmaceutical giant observed that many patients discontinued the medication, designed to offer a more convenient alternative to prevalent weight loss injections. “At this time, twice-daily danuglipron formulation will not advance into Phase 3 studies,” Pfizer stated, reflecting on the study’s outcomes.
Despite this setback, Pfizer remains optimistic about its once-a-day version of the drug, slated for data release in the first half of 2024. This version is viewed as more competitive and may determine the company’s future in this sector. The decision’s impact was immediately felt in the market, with Pfizer’s shares dropping by over 6%.
Pfizer’s phase two trial, involving around 600 obese adults without Type 2 diabetes, showed that patients taking danuglipron lost between 4.8% to 11.7% of their body weight. However, high rates of adverse events, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, were observed, with over 50% of patients discontinuing the drug.
The trial’s results did not meet Wall Street’s expectations. Analysts had anticipated better tolerability and effectiveness, drawing comparisons with Eli Lilly’s orforglipron and Novo Nordisk’s treatments, leading in the weight loss drug space. Barclays analyst Carter Gould expressed skepticism about the once-daily version’s potential to improve tolerability significantly.
Despite the challenges, Pfizer’s danuglipron achieved its primary goal of demonstrating significant weight reductions. However, the weight loss levels fell short of analysts’ expectations for the pill to be competitive in the market.
Pfizer’s decision to discontinue its twice-daily weight loss pill underscores the complexities and challenges in developing practical and tolerable oral weight loss treatments. At the same time, the pharmaceutical giant pivots towards its once-a-day version, and the industry and investors will closely watch its progress and potential impact on the competitive weight loss drug market. This development also highlights the evolving landscape of obesity treatments and the continuous search for viable, patient-friendly solutions.
