Core Insights - Eli Lilly is set to begin late-stage trials for its experimental amylin obesity drug, eloralintide, next month following positive mid-stage study results [1][2] Group 1: Drug Efficacy - The highest dose of eloralintide resulted in an average weight loss of 20.1% over 48 weeks for patients with obesity or who are overweight [2] - The lowest dose led to a 9.5% weight loss at 48 weeks, compared to 0.4% for the placebo group [6] - A two-step dose escalation starting at 6 mg resulted in a 19.9% weight loss, while a three-step escalation starting at 3 mg led to a 16.4% weight loss [6] Group 2: Competitive Landscape - Eli Lilly's advancements position it as a strong competitor in the amylin treatment space, which is seen as the next wave of obesity treatments [3] - Major pharmaceutical companies like Roche, AbbVie, and Novo Nordisk are investing heavily in amylin treatments, indicating a competitive market [4] - Novo Nordisk and Pfizer are engaged in a takeover battle for Metsera, which has a potential once-monthly amylin drug in its pipeline [4] Group 3: Mechanism and Side Effects - Amylin analogs mimic a hormone that suppresses appetite and reduces food intake, potentially offering advantages over existing GLP-1 treatments [5] - Common side effects of eloralintide include mild to moderate gastrointestinal symptoms and fatigue, particularly at higher doses [7] - Patients who gradually increased their doses experienced fewer side effects [7][8]

Pfizer is doubling down on obesity treatments by spending $4.9 billion on the development-stage drugmaker Metsera. The COVID-19 vaccine and treatment maker said early Monday that it will pay $47.50 per share in cash for each Metsera share. That represents a premium of more than 42% to Metsera’s closing price Friday. Pfizer also could pay an additional $22.50 per share depending on how Metsera’s product pipeline develops. Metsera has no products on the market, but its pipeline includes four programs in ...

Group 1 - Viking Therapeutics is set to focus on key pipeline updates during its first-quarter earnings call, particularly on three clinical candidates: VK2735 for obesity, VK2809 for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and VK0214 for X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) [1] - VK2735 is highlighted as a significant interest due to the growing trend in obesity treatments and the transformative effects of weight loss in the consumer health space [2] - The company has shown a classic reversal bottom in its stock price, indicating potential positive momentum, and is currently outperforming benchmarks on the Leadership indicator [3] Group 2 - The weekly chart analysis indicates that VKTX is in a distribution phase rather than a bear phase, with the 200-week moving average serving as a strong support area for the stock price [4] - The stock price is currently trading at levels similar to the end of 2023, with a notable peak at $100, suggesting potential for recovery [5] - A weekly close above $24.50 is seen as a positive indicator, with the potential for rewards exceeding risks by 4-5 times [5]