Pfizer to move forward with weight loss pill following 'encouraging' data

Pfizer is working on a new Ozempic-like daily pill that targets obesity and data collected so far is “encouraging” according to a press release from the pharmaceutical company.

Meet danuglipron.

It’s an oral glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. This type of medication was formulated for people with diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . In addition to lowering blood sugar levels it can help with weight loss , protect the heart and protect the kidneys.

“This investigational medicine is intended to keep blood sugar at healthy levels and work by increasing the amount of insulin released,” said Pfizer of GLP-1 receptor agonists. “Other potential effects include slowing down the digestion of food and increasing the feeling of fullness after eating, which may be associated with weight loss.”

Results from a May poll conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that 12% of U.S. adults had taken a GLP-1 agonist and 6% were taking them at the time they were polled ( Audacy published a list of places where they are most popular early this year). Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound are examples of this type of drug.

While some of these other options – including Ozempic – are known for being administered as an injection, Pfizer said danuglipron would be delivered by a once-daily time released oral tablet. An ongoing open-label, randomized study is underway to evaluate the pharmacokinetics (what bodies do to the substance) and safety of different danuglipron formulations in healthy adults who are at least 18 years old.

So far, the research has led Pfizer to select its preferred once-daily modified release formula. According to the company, no liver enzyme elevations were observed in more than 1,400 study participants.

“Obesity is a key therapeutic area for Pfizer, and the company has a robust pipeline of three clinical and several pre-clinical candidates. The most advanced of them, danuglipron, has demonstrated good efficacy in a twice-daily formulation, and we believe a once-daily formulation has the potential to have a competitive profile in the oral GLP-1 space,” said Mikael Dolsten, MD., PhD., Chief Scientific Officer & President, Pfizer Research and Development.

Going forward, Pfizer plans to conduct dose optimization studies in the second half of this year. At this time, danuglipron is not approved for use by health authorities.