Roche’s Obesity Drug Shows Promising weight Loss in Mid-Stage Trials
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Roche Holding AG (RHHBY) is demonstrating critically important progress in the burgeoning field of obesity treatments, with new data revealing its experimental weekly injection, CT-388, delivers substantial weight loss. Mid-stage trial results indicate the drug outperformed a placebo, signaling a potential breakthrough in addressing a global health crisis.
Roche shares rose as much as 1.1% in early zurich trading following the announcement, reflecting investor optimism about the company’s entry into this competitive market.
CT-388: A New Contender in obesity Care
patients participating in the trial experienced an average weight loss of 18% more than those receiving the placebo. Remarkably, nearly half of the participants on the highest dose of CT-388 shed at least 20% of their body weight by week 48. This readout represents the first of several mid-stage data releases Roche anticipates this year, as it aims to establish a strong foothold in the obesity sector following its $3.1 billion acquisition of Carmot Therapeutics.
The drug, originally developed by Carmot Therapeutics, operates through a similar mechanism to Eli Lilly’s (NYSE:LLY) Zepbound. According to one analyst, the weight-loss outcomes appear comparable, and potentially even more effective, than those achieved with Novo Nordisk’s (NYSE:NVO) Wegovy.
Adherence and side Effects
Roche estimates that weight loss could have reached 22.5% if patients had consistently adhered to the prescribed dosing schedule, suggesting that missed doses may have impacted overall results. While gastrointestinal side effects were reported,they were generally mild to moderate in severity. A relatively low 5.9% of participants discontinued treatment due to adverse health impacts, a figure Roche considers encouraging for this class of medications.
Looking Ahead: Late-stage Trials and Combination Therapies
Roche plans to initiate late-stage trials this quarter, exploring CT-388 both as a standalone therapy and in conjunction with other obesity treatments. Company management observed that weight loss did not appear to plateau by week 48, hinting at the possibility of further reductions with extended treatment durations. A gradual dose-escalation strategy was employed to effectively manage potential side effects.
The intensifying competition in the obesity market, with rivals like AstraZeneca and Pfizer also developing treatments, underscores the importance of Roche’s progress. The positive response from investors signals confidence in the potential of CT-388 to become a significant player in addressing this growing global health challenge.
Why: Roche is developing CT-388 to address the growing global obesity crisis. The drug aims to provide a significant weight loss solution for patients.
Who: Roche Holding AG (RHHBY) is the company developing CT-388, originally from Carmot Therapeutics. Participants in the mid-stage trials were the subjects of the study. Competitors include Eli Lilly (LLY), Novo Nordisk (NVO), AstraZeneca, and Pfizer.
What: CT-388 is an experimental weekly injection that demonstrated an average weight loss of 18% more than a placebo in mid-stage trials. Nearly half of participants on the highest dose lost at least 20% of their body weight by week 48.
How did it end?: The mid-stage trials showed promising results, leading to a rise in Roche’s stock price. Roche plans to begin late-stage trials this quarter, exploring CT-388 as both a standalone therapy and in combination with other obesity treatments. The drug’s
