From CNBC: 2024-11-26 07:21:23

Amgen’s weight loss injection, MariTide, helped patients with obesity lose up to 20% of their weight after a year in a critical mid-stage trial. The drug also aided patients with obesity and Type 2 diabetes in losing up to 17% of their weight, with potential for further weight loss beyond 52 weeks. However, shares of Amgen fell 5% in premarket trading as results were below Wall Street’s expectations.

The phase two trial results will determine how Amgen’s MariTide compares to weight loss injections from Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly. MariTide offers quicker weight loss, possibly better weight maintenance, and fewer shots than existing treatments. Late-stage studies showed Wegovy led to 15% weight loss over 68 weeks, while Zepbound helped patients lose over 22% of their weight over 72 weeks.

MariTide is a peptide antibody conjugate that activates GLP-1 receptors and blocks GIP hormone receptors, unlike other drugs on the market. Amgen’s stock has risen amid anticipation of the mid-stage trial data, but concerns about potential bone density loss side effects have caused a recent decline in share value.

The first part of the phase two trial involved 592 patients across 11 different patient groups testing a variety of regimens and dosing levels of MariTide. The second part of the trial will examine the durability of weight loss after the initial year and evaluate even less frequent dosing regimens. Data from the second part of the trial has not been released yet.



Read more at CNBC: Amgen says obesity drug MariTide caused up to 20% weight loss after a year