Pfizer Halts Clinical Trial for Weight-Loss Pill Danuglipron
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Overview of danuglipron
Pfizer has announced that it will discontinue the development of danuglipron, a potential oral medication for weight loss. This decision comes after a participant in one of the clinical trials experienced a possible drug-related liver injury.
The medication was undergoing initial testing to identify the optimal dosage for patients, as indicated by a representative from Pfizer during a statement to the Associated Press.
Trial Challenges and Developments
While the once-daily formulation of danuglipron was in early testing phases, the company had already scrapped plans for a twice-daily version earlier this year after several trial participants opted out of the study.
Despite this setback, Pfizer remains committed to exploring other obesity treatments that are still in the preliminary stages of development, according to the company’s official communication.
Market Demand for Obesity Treatments
The demand for effective obesity treatments is on the rise, driving competition among pharmaceutical companies. Notably, Eli Lilly’s weight-loss drug, Zepbound, generated nearly $5 billion in sales last year alone.
In response to patient preferences, many manufacturers are now working on pill versions of weight-loss medications, which offer a less invasive alternative to existing injectable treatments like Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy and Zepbound.