Pfizer to be active in obesity market, CEO silent on R&D plans

Pfizer's efforts to rejuvenate its portfolio continue into 2024, with a specific focus on combating obesity, though the company has yet to fully unveil its plans in this area. Despite high investor interest, detailed updates on Pfizer's metabolic pipeline were not provided during a recent investor call.

The New York-based pharmaceutical giant has faced challenges with its initial obesity treatments. Last year saw the discontinuation of lotiglipron and a reassessment of twice-daily danuglipron. CEO Albert Bourla, Ph.D., addressed these concerns, noting that further data on the once-daily version of danuglipron is expected by mid-year. Previous Phase 2 data revealed that the twice-daily administration of danuglipron was effective in weight loss compared to a placebo, but it also had a high discontinuation rate, with over 50% of participants halting the treatment across all doses. In comparison, the placebo group had a discontinuation rate of 40%.

Chief Scientific Officer Mikael Dolsten, M.D., Ph.D., initially responded to these findings by stating that the company would concentrate on the once-daily administration of the drug. Since then, Dolsten has remained relatively silent, except for a February interview where he emphasized the aim to free patients from the need for injectables stored in a refrigerator. Bourla reinforced this strategy during the investor call, indicating that future plans will rely heavily on forthcoming data.

In a broader context, Bourla affirmed that Pfizer is committed to its investments in metabolic and obesity-related treatments. He expressed confidence in the company’s ongoing initiatives and revealed that Pfizer is actively pursuing various mechanisms of action in the fight against obesity.

Presently, Pfizer has three metabolic candidates undergoing clinical trials and several others in preclinical stages. Bourla hinted that some of these candidates are still too early in development to discuss in detail but assured that the company will maintain a robust presence in the obesity treatment space.

In summary, while Pfizer has acknowledged setbacks in its initial obesity treatment efforts, the company remains dedicated to advancing its metabolic pipeline. The focus will be on once-daily administration of danuglipron, with more data expected mid-year, and continued exploration of new treatments for obesity.