Pfizer Weight-Loss Pill Fizzles: In a plot twist that caught investors off guard, Pfizer (PFE) stumbled in the race for a groundbreaking weight-loss pill, causing its stock to plunge over 4% in early trading. The pharmaceutical giant announced a halt in the development of its twice-a-day weight-loss pill, danuglipron, citing an unexpected surge in negative side effects among patients.
While Pfizer highlighted the success of the Phase 2b study, showcasing a “statistically significant change in body weight,” the company faced a harsh reality a concerning number of patients grappled with adverse effects. Despite the commonality of mild gastrointestinal side effects, a notable 50% of study participants opted to abandon the medication, overshadowing the 40% in the placebo group. This revelation prompted Pfizer to pump the brakes on advancing to a Phase 3 study.
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Undeterred, Pfizer pledged to dive back into research, exploring alternative dosing strategies for danuglipron. Dr. Mikael Dolsten, Chief Scientific Officer and President of Pfizer Research and Development, underscored the company’s belief in the potential of an improved once-daily formulation. He expressed Pfizer’s commitment to understanding and enhancing the drug’s profile, believing it could carve a crucial niche in obesity treatment.
As Pfizer faces this setback, the pharmaceutical industry’s competitive landscape intensifies in the pursuit of effective oral weight-loss treatments. Eli Lilly‘s (LLY) Mounjaro and Novo Nordisks (NVO) Ozempic and Wegovy are gaining traction, albeit as injectables.
The market’s swift reaction saw Pfizer shares hit their lowest level since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Investors now grapple with uncertainty, awaiting Pfizer’s strategic moves and the potential transformation of danuglipron into a more tolerable and effective weight-loss solution.
Our Reader’s Queries
What weight loss drug was pulled from the market?
Eisai’s lorcaserin, an experimental obesity drug, was recently pulled from the market in 2020 due to its link to an increased risk of cancer in patients. This unfortunate outcome has made it clear that more research and testing is needed before any new weight loss medications can be safely introduced to the market. As we continue to search for effective solutions to the obesity epidemic, it is crucial that we prioritize patient safety above all else.
What is the name of Pfizer’s oral weight loss drug?
Pfizer recently shared that its Phase IIb study on danuglipron, an oral weight loss medication, has successfully achieved its primary objective. The drug, which is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA), has shown promising results in reducing weight in patients who do not have type 2 diabetes. This news is a significant development in the field of weight loss medication and could potentially offer a new solution for those struggling with obesity.
What are the side effects of the Pfizer diet pill?
The primary concern was the prevalence of side effects, which were deemed “mild” but still resulted in over 50% of trial participants discontinuing treatment. Nausea affected up to 73% of patients, while almost half experienced vomiting and 25% reported diarrhea.
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