Amgen has announced the commencement of two pivotal late-stage trials for its investigational weight loss injection, MariTide, as it seeks to establish a foothold in the expanding obesity treatment market. This strategic move positions MariTide to potentially rival existing weight loss therapies from competitors such as Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, which are known for their weekly injectable options.
Details of the Trials
MariTide is designed as a monthly injection, which may appeal to investors looking for alternatives in the realm of obesity management. One of the trials involves approximately 3,500 participants who are categorized as overweight or obese but do not have Type 2 diabetes. Meanwhile, the second trial focuses on 999 patients who are classified as obese or overweight and do have Type 2 diabetes.
Trial Objectives and Expectations
The primary aim of both studies is to evaluate the percentage of weight reduction over a 72-week span. Amgen plans to explore three different dosing strategies for MariTide while employing a dose escalation approach that starts participants at a lower dose, which may later be increased.
In prior communications, Amgen reported significant results from its initial phase two trial, revealing that participants with obesity experienced an average weight loss of up to 20% over the course of a year, with no signs of plateau effects. Those affected by both obesity and Type 2 diabetes lost an average of 17% of their body weight within the same timeframe. However, some analysts expressed concerns that these results fell short of the high expectations set by Wall Street.
Future Developments
Amgen is expected to reveal additional data regarding MariTide later this year, with comprehensive phase two trial results slated for presentation at the upcoming American Diabetes Association conference in June. The company is also conducting extended trials to monitor patient outcomes beyond the initial study period.
MariTide employs a distinctive methodology for weight loss through its formulation as a peptide antibody conjugate. This innovative approach connects a monoclonal antibody with two peptides that activate the GLP-1 gut hormone, while simultaneously blocking the receptors of another hormone called GIP. This contrasts with Eli Lilly’s Zepbound, which targets both hormones, and Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy, which acts solely on GLP-1.
With the GLP-1 drug market projected to exceed $150 billion by the early 2030s, Amgen’s proactive steps in advancing MariTide could significantly reshape its presence within this lucrative sector. As these trials progress, attention will be fixed on the implications for both Amgen’s growth trajectory and the broader landscape of obesity treatment options.
