Another pill to fight obesity won US approval, pitting Lilly’s Foundayo against Novo’s Wegovy pill in the race to dominate a market worth billions. Patients and consumers may also be winners, as prices fall and selection expands. https://t.co/1upjiYnPww ...

Cheaper Chinese imports help relieve pain of war in Iran and more Brits to be offered Novo’s Wegovy -- get briefed ahead of your morning calls with The London Rush https://t.co/5sAxrxBCf0 ...

Summary of MetaVia Conference Call - March 12, 2026 Company Overview - **Company**: MetaVia (NasdaqCM:MTVA) - **Industry**: Life Sciences, specifically focusing on obesity treatment Key Points and Arguments Obesity Market and Product Differentiation - MetaVia's lead asset, DA-1726, is positioned in the obesity market, differentiating itself from existing GLP-1 based drugs by combining GLP-1 and glucagon receptor agonism [2][4] - Current approved obesity drugs primarily target GLP-1 and GLP-1 plus GIP, while DA-1726 aims to balance GLP-1 and glucagon to enhance weight loss and metabolic outcomes [4][5] Scientific Rationale - The combination of GLP-1 and glucagon is believed to increase energy expenditure while maintaining glycemic control, potentially leading to better weight loss outcomes compared to standalone GLP-1 drugs [4][6] - MetaVia has established a 3-to-1 ratio of GLP-1 to glucagon, which has shown promising results in preclinical models, including a 25% increase in food intake while maintaining weight loss [5][7] Clinical Data and Efficacy - In an 8-week Phase I study, DA-1726 demonstrated a 9.1% decrease in body weight, a 3.8-inch reduction in waist circumference, a 0.22 decrease in HbA1c, and a 23.7% decrease in liver stiffness [11][14] - The drug is expected to achieve a weight loss target of 12%-15% in a 16-week study, which would position it favorably against competitors [22] Safety and Tolerability - MetaVia aims to differentiate DA-1726 by minimizing gastrointestinal side effects, which are common in other GLP-1 glucagon drugs [19][31] - The company plans to conduct a two-step titration in the upcoming Phase 3A study to control side effects while maximizing efficacy [20][21] Market Positioning - The focus is on patients with obesity and metabolic conditions, particularly those with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and type 2 diabetes, leveraging the drug's liver benefits [35] - MetaVia's valuation is currently low compared to other obesity drug companies, presenting a potential investment opportunity as new data is expected to be released [41][42] Future Milestones - Upcoming data releases from the Phase 3A study and combination therapy trials are anticipated to provide insights into the drug's efficacy and safety profile [39][40] - The company is also exploring other indications for its small molecule drug, Vanoglipol, which has shown a good safety profile and efficacy in hepatic effects [39] Conclusion - MetaVia is positioned to make significant strides in the obesity treatment market with its innovative approach and promising clinical data, making it a potential investment opportunity as it prepares for upcoming trials and data releases [41][42]

BREAKTHROUGH ANTIBODIES FOR OBESITY AND CARDIOMETABOLIC DISEASES CORPORATE PRESENTATION March 2026 Forward looking statements Certain statements in this presentation constitute "forward -looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 , as amended. Words such as "may," "might," "will," "should," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "continue," "predict," "forecast," "project," "plan," "intend" or similar expressions, or statements regarding intent, be ...

Africa’s largest drugmaker expects to get approval in Canada for its generic GLP-1 obesity treatment by September https://t.co/IP0JOB75IU ...

Summary of Veru's Presentation at Oppenheimer's 36th Annual Healthcare Life Sciences Conference Company Overview - **Company**: Veru Inc. - **Ticker**: V - **Focus**: Development of enobosarm, a selective androgen receptor modulator, in combination with GLP-1 for obesity treatment Key Points and Arguments Drug Development and Clinical Trials - Veru has pivoted to combine enobosarm with GLP-1, aiming to address muscle loss associated with GLP-1 treatments [2][3] - The Phase 2b QUALITY study showed positive results, and a new Phase 2b PLATEAU study is set to start this quarter [2][6] - Enobosarm has undergone 27 clinical trials, with 6 focusing on muscle endpoints, demonstrating its potential to improve muscle mass and physical function [3][4] Addressing Muscle Loss in Older Patients - GLP-1 treatments can lead to a 40%-50% loss of lean mass, which is particularly detrimental for patients over 60 [3] - Enobosarm is designed to preserve muscle while promoting fat loss, which is crucial for older patients to avoid functional limitations and increased mortality [3][4][9] - The combination of enobosarm and GLP-1 aims to mitigate the adverse effects of GLP-1 on muscle mass while enhancing cardiovascular benefits [4][10] Study Design and Expected Outcomes - The PLATEAU study will focus on patients with a BMI greater than 35, aged over 65, and will last for 68 weeks [16][17] - Primary endpoint: total body weight; secondary endpoints include physical function, mobility, and bone mineral density (BMD) [18][24] - An interim analysis will occur at 34 weeks, assessing lean body mass and fat mass [17] Regulatory Considerations - The FDA has indicated that incremental weight loss of at least 5% could serve as a primary endpoint for approval [10] - If weight loss is less than 5%, preservation of physical function could be a clinically significant endpoint for approval [25] - The FDA now considers total hip BMD as a surrogate endpoint for osteoporosis drug development, which could benefit enobosarm's approval pathway [11][26] Market Potential - Approximately 44 million Americans over 65 are on Medicare Part D, with half potentially benefiting from weight loss drugs [17] - The combination of enobosarm with GLP-1 could address unmet needs in the obesity treatment market, particularly for older patients [15] Competitive Landscape - Enobosarm is positioned as a unique agent that not only aids in weight loss but also preserves muscle and improves bone health, distinguishing it from other GLP-1 treatments [42][44] - Competitors like Scholar Rock, Regeneron, and Lilly have presented data on myostatin inhibitors, but enobosarm's oral formulation may offer advantages [21][22] Financial and Development Timeline - Veru reported $33 million in cash as of December 31, 2025, and is on track for the PLATEAU study to start in Q1 2026 [26][27] - Enrollment is expected to be completed by Q3 2026, with top-line data anticipated in Q4 2027 [27][51] Additional Important Information - Enobosarm is protected as a new chemical entity, with multiple layers of patent protection extending to 2046 [49][50] - The focus on muscle preservation and functional improvement in older patients is critical for addressing the safety issues associated with current obesity treatments [46][48] This summary encapsulates the key points from Veru's presentation, highlighting the company's strategic focus on addressing muscle loss in older patients through innovative drug development and regulatory strategies.

Alzheimer's Disease Agitation Data - NMRA-511 demonstrated a favorable safety profile with no somnolence or sedation and significant improvements in agitation, with placebo-adjusted CMAI total score changes of -2.6 and -2.1 at Weeks 6 and 8, respectively [2] - Patients with elevated anxiety showed improvements of -7.6 and -5.6 at the same weeks [2] - William Blair projects peak U.S. sales of NMRA-511 to reach $1.8 billion, indicating promising early data despite previous setbacks with the V1a receptor antagonist approach [2] Obesity Update - Positive Phase 2 data for NMRA-215 in obesity is anticipated by year-end 2026, which could be a significant inflection point for Neumora [3] - William Blair has incorporated value into the Neumora model for NMRA-215, estimating a 15% probability of success that could unlock a market opportunity exceeding $2 billion under conservative assumptions [3] Depression Assets - The KOASTAL-2/3 trials of monotherapy navacaprant in major depressive disorder are expected to report results in the second quarter of 2026 [4] - There is intrigue surrounding the update in the KOR antagonist space, although caution is advised regarding the de-risking value of navacaprant [4] - NMRA stock experienced a 7.50% increase, reaching $3.45 at the last check [4]

Core Viewpoint - Palatin Technologies, Inc. reported its financial results for the second quarter of fiscal year 2026, highlighting advancements in its MC4R-based obesity programs and a strengthened financial position through a successful public offering [1][2]. Financial Results - For the second quarter ended December 31, 2025, Palatin recognized $116,036 in collaboration and license revenue, a significant increase from $0 in the same quarter last year, attributed to the agreement with Boehringer Ingelheim [2]. - Total operating expenses were $7.4 million, up from $2.6 million in the comparable quarter last year, primarily due to increased costs in MCR obesity development programs and higher compensation costs [2]. - The net loss for the quarter was $7.3 million, or $(2.86) per share, compared to a net loss of $2.4 million, or $(5.92) per share, in the same quarter last year [2][4]. - As of December 31, 2025, cash and cash equivalents were $14.5 million, a significant increase from $1.3 million at the end of September 2025 [2][4]. Corporate Update - The company completed an $18.2 million public offering on November 12, 2025, which included the full exercise of the over-allotment option, allowing it to regain compliance with NYSE American listing standards [2]. - Palatin's obesity program focuses on developing differentiated MC4R agonists aimed at enhancing patient tolerability and addressing significant unmet medical needs in conditions like hypothalamic obesity and Prader-Willi syndrome [1][3]. - The company has initiated IND-enabling toxicology studies for its oral small-molecule MC4R agonist PL7737, with plans for clinical trial initiation in the first half of 2026 [1][3]. Obesity Program Update - PL7737 is expected to enter clinical evaluation in the first half of 2026, demonstrating meaningful weight loss and oral bioavailability in preclinical models [1]. - Next-generation selective peptide MC4R agonists are designed for once-weekly subcutaneous dosing, with clinical trials anticipated to start in the second half of 2026 [1]. - The obesity program aims to address rare and broader obesity indications, particularly focusing on neuroendocrine disorders [1][3]. Out-Licensing Programs Update - Collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim for retinal diseases could yield up to €12.5 million ($14.5 million) in research milestones and up to €260 million ($307 million) in development and commercial milestones [1]. - The sublicensing agreement for PL9643, an MC1R agonist for dry eye disease, provided $3.8 million in upfront consideration, enhancing the company's financial position [1][2]. - Active out-licensing discussions are ongoing for PL8177 (ulcerative colitis) and diabetic nephropathy programs, reflecting interest from potential partners [1].

Core Insights - Viking Therapeutics reported a Q4 2025 loss of $1.38 per share, which is wider than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $0.89, and a significant increase from a loss of $0.32 per share in the same quarter last year [1][9] - The company has no approved products and has not generated any revenues [4] Financial Performance - Research and development expenses surged to $153.5 million in Q4 2025, compared to $31.0 million in the same period last year, primarily due to increased costs for clinical studies and employee-related expenses [2] - General and administrative expenses decreased by 26% year over year to $11.3 million, mainly due to lower legal and patent service costs [2] - For the full year 2025, Viking reported a loss of $3.19 per share, compared to a loss of $1.01 in the previous year [4] Cash Position - As of December 31, 2025, Viking Therapeutics had cash and cash equivalents of $706 million, a slight decrease from $715 million as of September 30, 2025 [3] Pipeline Developments - Viking is developing VK2735, a dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist, for obesity treatment, with both oral and subcutaneous formulations in clinical studies [5] - The company has initiated a late-stage program for the subcutaneous formulation of VK2735, consisting of two phase III studies, VANQUISH-1 and VANQUISH-2, with enrollment for VANQUISH-1 already completed [6] - Plans to advance the oral version of VK2735 into late-stage development are set to begin in Q3 2026, which has positively impacted stock prices [7] Market Context - The obesity treatment market is currently dominated by Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, with their GLP-1 injections, and the advancement of VK2735 oral formulation positions Viking among a select group of companies with a phase III-ready oral obesity therapy [8] - The stock has underperformed, losing 3% over the past year compared to the industry’s nearly 19% growth [10]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Research and development expenses for Q4 2025 were $153.5 million, up from $31 million in Q4 2024, primarily due to costs associated with two Phase III clinical trials and increased stock-based compensation [9][10] - General and administrative expenses decreased to $11.3 million in Q4 2025 from $15.3 million in Q4 2024, mainly due to reduced legal and patent service costs [10] - The net loss for Q4 2025 was $157.7 million or $1.38 per share, compared to a net loss of $35.4 million or $0.32 per share in Q4 2024 [10] - For the full year 2025, research and development expenses totaled $345 million, up from $101.6 million in 2024, reflecting increased clinical study costs [11] - The full year net loss was $358.5 million or $3.19 per share, compared to a net loss of $110 million or $1.01 per share in 2024 [11][12] - Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments at year-end 2025 were $706 million, down from $903 million at the end of 2024 [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved significant milestones in its obesity pipeline, particularly with VK2735, which is being developed in both subcutaneous and oral formulations [5][13] - Enrollment in the Phase III VANQUISH-1 study was completed ahead of schedule, with VANQUISH-2 nearing completion [6][16] - The oral VK2735 program also showed promising results, with significant weight loss observed in Phase II studies [20][21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The obesity treatment market is evolving rapidly, with increasing interest in new weight loss therapies, as evidenced by the uptake of other oral peptides [18][80] - The company is exploring various commercial strategies to adapt to the changing market landscape, including potential partnerships [36][39] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Viking is focused on advancing its VK2735 program, with plans to initiate Phase III trials for the oral formulation in Q3 2026 [23][28] - The company has signed a comprehensive manufacturing agreement with CordenPharma to support the commercialization of VK2735, which is expected to enable significant revenue generation [8][27] - The company aims to differentiate its products through novel dosing regimens and the ability to maintain the same active compound across different formulations [24][28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the transition to Phase III trials for VK2735 and highlighted the importance of maintaining flexibility in commercial strategies [31][39] - The company anticipates that its strong cash position will support the completion of ongoing trials and the development of additional programs [27][40] Other Important Information - The company appointed Neil Aubuchon as Chief Commercial Officer to lead its commercial strategy [8][26] - Viking is also advancing a series of novel amylin receptor agonists, with an IND filing expected soon [25][73] Q&A Session Summary Question: Will a Phase III study be needed for patients with diabetes? - Management indicated that details will be disclosed closer to the launch, but the design will likely parallel the existing VANQUISH studies [30][32] Question: How will the evolving obesity market affect the go-to-market strategy? - Management acknowledged the rapid changes in the market and emphasized the flexibility to adapt strategies accordingly [36][39] Question: Is the $700 million cash sufficient for developing oral VK2735? - Management confirmed that the cash is sufficient to cover expenses for the upcoming trials [40][41] Question: What are the expectations for the maintenance study? - Management outlined success criteria, including continued weight loss during the maintenance phase and the potential for less frequent dosing regimens [49][50] Question: What are the differences in baseline characteristics for the maintenance study? - Management expects demographics to be similar to previous studies, with a focus on individuals with a BMI greater than 30 [86]