2023-05-10 05:54:01 ET
Boehringer Ingelheim and Zealand Pharma A/S ( OTCPK:ZLDPF ) said patients receiving their drug BI 456906 achieved up to 14.9% weight loss after 46 weeks, using the planned maintenance dose in a phase 2 trial.
The phase 2 trial evaluating different doses of the subcutaneously administered BI 456906 for 46 weeks compared to placebo in people with obesity or overweight without type 2 diabetes, met its main goal.
The study included 20 weeks of dosing escalation and 26 weeks maintenance.
The companies said that data including an analysis of the actual maintenance dose suggesting even greater weight loss will be presented at the 2023 American Diabetes Association's 83rd Scientific Sessions in San Diego. Until then, the data is under embargo.
"The distinct mode of action of BI 456906 targets multiple pathways pivotal to metabolic regulation, including those associated with obesity and liver diseases," said Carinne Brouillon, head of Human Pharma, Boehringer Ingelheim.
BI 456906, which is a glucagon/GLP-1 receptor dual agonist, is also being evaluated in a phase 2 trial in adults with NASH and liver fibrosis, according to the companies.
These results could potentially board well for the weight loss drug arena. Diabetes drugs heavyweights Eli Lilly ( NYSE: LLY ) and Novo Nordisk ( NVO ) have already made advances in the spaces.
While Novo's popular weight loss drug Wegovy is facing supply issues amid high demand , Eli Lilly's ( LLY ) drug tirzepatide had already shown to help with up to 15.7% of weight loss in a phase 3 trial and is currently under FDA review. Tirzepatide is marketed as Mounjaro and is already approved to treat diabetes.
According to a report, patients in the U.S are expected to dish out $10B on obesity medicines in 2027, marking an $8.1B rise or over 378% growth for the period 2023 – 2027.
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Boehringer, Zealand's drug helps cut weight up to 14.9%, meets phase 2 trial's goal