Metabolic Disorders

IQVIA’s latest usage and spending trends report forecasts US obesity market will grow to $35bn by 2028, while the two leading GLP-1 agonists have already posted eye-popping sales growth.

Executives said during Amgen’s Q1 call that the company is “encouraged” by interim Phase II data for MariTide (AMG 133) in obesity, so it is designing Phase III trials and building manufacturing capacity. 

The US Food and Drug Administration has requested additional efficacy information on the supplemental filing in the potentially large new indication.

Mounjaro revenue declined versus Q4 2023, Lilly reported, though grew 218% year-over-year. The pharma pledged significant ramp-up of manufacturing this year.

Corbus has presence in both antibody drug conjugates and obesity, and was the stand-out small-cap target for investors with a fivefold increase in its share price in Q1.

In this week's podcast edition of Five Must-Know Things: Teva’s immunology biosimilar launches; Intra-Cellular’s promising depression data; Phase III sleep apnea win for Lilly’s tirzepatide; an interview with Viking’s CEO; and China looks to define innovative drugs.

Clive Meanwell, former CEO of The Medicines Company, will helm the new company, backed by ARCH and other investors. He talked to Scrip about the new venture. 

Topline results from two studies in obstructive sleep apnea among obese adults showed efficacy crossing the 50% threshold that physicians have called clinically meaningful.

Cash-limited Organovo has an FXR agonist showing competitive efficacy and tolerability in MASH, but may need a partner to move forward in that disease as it may be prioritizing its IBD program.

The privately owned company is searching for a successor to Jardiance, while the outcome of US Inflation Reduction Act talks on price cuts to the blockbuster will be revealed in September.

Still a clinical-stage company, Viking is studying promising candidates for both obesity and MASH in Phase II, but may need to prioritize one while partnering the other.

Showing its antisense drug can reduce triglycerides and risk of acute pancreatitis in familial chylomicronemia syndrome, Ionis plans to file olezarsen for approval soon, hoping for accelerated approval.