Company Insights - Roche announced positive results from an early-stage study of its obesity drug candidate CT-388, showing a mean placebo-adjusted weight loss of 18.8% over 24 weeks [1] - Management described the results as 'clinically meaningful and statistically significant', with all patients achieving more than 5% weight loss and approximately 45% losing over 20% of their body weight [2] - The side effects of CT-388 were reported to be similar to those of currently marketed incretin-based medicines like Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and Eli Lilly's Zepbound [3] - CT-388 also demonstrated benefits for type 2 diabetes patients, with all pre-diabetic participants achieving normalized glycemia after 24 weeks [4] - Roche's shares have decreased by 13.3% year-to-date, contrasting with the industry's growth of 14.5% [5] - Roche entered the obesity market by acquiring Carmot Therapeutics for $2.7 billion, adding CT-388 and other incretin-based drug candidates to its pipeline [6] Industry Insights - The obesity market has gained significant attention, particularly after Novo Nordisk's FDA approval for Wegovy in 2021, which has seen consistent sales growth [7] - Eli Lilly recently launched Zepbound, following its FDA approval in December, contributing to the competitive landscape dominated by Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly [8] - Research by Goldman Sachs predicts the U.S. obesity market will grow to $100 billion by 2030, prompting major pharmaceutical companies like Amgen and AstraZeneca to develop their own obesity drugs [9] - Amgen has completed an interim analysis of its phase II study for its GLP-1 receptor candidate MariTide, with top-line data expected in late 2024 [11] - AstraZeneca has entered an exclusive deal with Eccogene to develop an oral drug for obesity and related conditions, securing global rights outside of China [12]
Roche (RHHBY) Posts Encouraging Phase I Obesity Drug Data