Pfizer's weight loss ambitions hit roadblock

The link above is to a Reuters article dated 12/1/23, which begins with:



And is followed by:



A bit of confusion there.

The following is from Business Week:

Pfizer Announces Topline Phase 2b Results of Oral GLP-1R Agonist, Danuglipron, in Adults with Obesity

Danuglipron demonstrated mean placebo-adjusted weight reductions ranging from -8% to -13% at 32 weeks and -5% to -9.5% at 26 weeks

While most common adverse events were mild and gastrointestinal in nature consistent with the mechanism, high rates were observed; no new safety signals were observed

High discontinuation rates, greater than 50%, were seen across all doses compared to approximately 40% with placebo

Ongoing pharmacokinetic study of once-daily formulation of danuglipron will continue, the outcome of which will inform a path forward

At this time, twice-daily danuglipron formulation will not advance into Phase 3 studies

Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) today announced topline data from the Phase 2b clinical trial ( NCT04707313 ) investigating its oral Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) candidate, danuglipron (PF-06882961), in adults with obesity and without type 2 diabetes. The study met its primary endpoint demonstrating statistically significant change in body weight from baseline.

Twice-daily dosing of danuglipron showed statistically significant reductions from baseline in body weight for all doses, with mean reductions ranging from -6.9% to -11.7%, compared to +1.4% for placebo at 32 weeks, and -4.8% to -9.4%, compared to +0.17% for placebo at 26 weeks. Placebo-adjusted reductions in mean body weight ranged from -8% to -13% at 32 weeks and -5% to -9.5% at 26 weeks. Depending on titration schedule, participants were at target dose levels for 6 to 24 weeks.

While the most common adverse events were mild and gastrointestinal in nature consistent with the mechanism, high rates were observed (up to 73% nausea; up to 47% vomiting; up to 25% diarrhea). High discontinuation rates, greater than 50%, were seen across all doses compared to approximately 40% with placebo. No new safety signals were reported and treatment with danuglipron was not associated with increased incidence of liver enzyme elevation compared to placebo. Data from this study will be presented at a future scientific conference or published in a peer-reviewed journal.

“We believe an improved once-daily formulation of danuglipron could play an important role in the obesity treatment paradigm, and we will focus our efforts on gathering the data to understand its potential profile,” said Mikael Dolsten, MD., PhD., Chief Scientific Officer & President, Pfizer Research and Development. “Results from ongoing and future studies of the once-daily danuglipron modified release formulation will inform a potential path forward with an aim to improve the tolerability profile and optimize both study design and execution.”

Future development of danuglipron will be focused on a once-daily formulation, with pharmacokinetic data anticipated in the first half of 2024.

Results previously published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Network Open from the Phase 2 study ( NCT03985293 ) of danuglipron in type 2 diabetes showed dose-dependent placebo-adjusted reductions in HbA1c of up to -1.16%; fasting plasma glucose of -33.24 mg/dL; and body weight of -4.17 kg over 16 weeks. Additionally, the Phase 2a study ( NCT04617275 ) of danuglipron in patients with type 2 diabetes who are treated with metformin and in non-diabetic adults with obesity showed robust declines in HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and body weight. In both populations, danuglipron demonstrated a safety and tolerability profile consistent with the mechanism of action.

About Phase 2b Study Design (NCT04707313)

The Phase 2b randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group, dose-ranging study evaluated the efficacy and safety of danuglipron (PF-06882961) administration in adults with obesity and without type 2 diabetes. The study evaluated three cohorts across different fixed titration schedules and target doses. Cohorts 1 and 2 (n=497) evaluated one-week and two-week titration steps over 26 weeks with target doses at 40mg, 80mg, 120mg, 160mg and 200mg twice-daily. Cohort 3 (n=129) evaluated four-week titration steps over 32 weeks with target doses at 80mg, 140mg and 200mg twice-daily. The study utilized a titration protocol where participants were required to follow a fixed titration scheme, according to their randomized treatment group.

About Danuglipron

Danuglipron (PF-06882961) is an experimental medicine that is taken as a tablet by mouth and is not approved for use by health authorities at this time. Danuglipron, which was discovered and developed in-house at Pfizer, is a type of medicine known as a GLP-1RA. This medicine is intended to keep blood sugar at healthy levels and work by increasing the amount of insulin released and lowering the amount of glucagon released into the blood. It also slows down the digestion of food and increases the feeling of fullness after eating.

About Pfizer: Breakthroughs That Change Patients’ Lives

At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to bring therapies to people that extend and significantly improve their lives. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacture of health care products, including innovative medicines and vaccines. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as one of the world’s premier innovative biopharmaceutical companies, we collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. For more than 170 years, we have worked to make a difference for all who rely on us. We routinely post information that may be important to investors on our website at www.Pfizer.com . In addition, to learn more, please visit us on www.Pfizer.com and follow us on Twitter at @pfizer and @pfizer News , LinkedIn , YouTube and like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Pfizer .