Obesity drugs from Altimmune, Hengrui promising; Lilly shares Zepbound sleep apnea data

Altimmune, Jiangsu Hengrui, Eli Lilly, and others presented significant diabetes and obesity research findings during the American Diabetes Association's annual meeting. These presentations highlighted advancements and potential breakthroughs in weight loss treatments and diabetes care that could soon impact patient treatment options.

Altimmune's obesity treatment, pemvidutide, showed promising results after initial setbacks. This dual-action drug, which targets the hormones GLP-1 and glucagon, was part of the Momentum trial. The data revealed that participants lost an average of 16% of their body weight at the highest dose over 48 weeks, a result comparable to Novo Nordisk's Wegovy at 68 weeks. Furthermore, pemvidutide was noted for retaining lean body mass, an important differentiation if the drug gains approval. Despite its effectiveness, nearly a quarter of participants had previously discontinued due to side effects, although the recent data suggested better tolerability.

Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals made headlines with its dual agonist drug, HRS9531, now licensed to a new startup. In a Phase 2 trial, this treatment demonstrated competitive weight loss results at 24 weeks, with participants losing up to 17% of their body weight at the highest dose. The startup developing HRS9531 has garnered substantial financial support, securing $400 million from investors such as Bain Capital Life Sciences and RTW Investments.

Eli Lilly also presented detailed findings on its weight loss drug, Zepbound, particularly in the context of obesity and sleep apnea. Previously released summary data were expanded upon at the ADA meeting, revealing that 42% of trial participants on Zepbound alone, and 50% of those also using a breathing machine, experienced resolution of sleep apnea symptoms. These results included improvements in both sleep apnea events and daytime sleepiness scores. This data has been submitted to the Food and Drug Administration, with the potential for Medicare coverage if approved.

Vertex Pharmaceuticals showcased their stem cell-derived cell therapy for Type 1 diabetes, reporting that three patients achieved insulin independence one year post-treatment. Additionally, these individuals no longer experienced severe hypoglycemic events and maintained HbA1C levels below the recommended 7%. Nine other participants with shorter follow-ups also showed promising results in blood sugar control and endogenous insulin production.

In another development, Amylyx Pharmaceuticals is set to acquire an experimental diabetes drug from Eiger Biopharmaceuticals as the latter navigates Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The drug in question targets a protein linked to GLP-1, a key hormone in diabetes and obesity treatment. Amylyx agreed to purchase all rights to the drug for $35 million, plus additional minor costs. This move comes as Amylyx seeks to recover from the market withdrawal of its ALS treatment earlier this year.

These updates underscore the ongoing progress and potential shifts in the treatment landscape for diabetes and obesity, driven by these pharmaceutical companies and their innovative research.