Roche eyes obesity market with promising trial results

Roche, the Swiss pharmaceutical giant, is aiming to capitalize on the booming market for obesity treatments. This comes as the company announces encouraging results from its Phase Ib clinical trial for CT-388, an investigational therapy targeting obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D).

CT-388 is a once-weekly subcutaneous therapy that functions as a dual glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist. By targeting these two receptors, the therapy aims to regulate food intake and energy absorption. This mechanism is similar to Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro (tirzepatide), which posted sales of $1.81 billion in the first quarter of this year.

The recent trial results have positively impacted Roche’s market standing, with shares rising over 3.5% on the Swiss stock market. The company's market capitalization now stands at SFr190.6 billion ($210.8 billion).

The Phase Ib trial, identified as NCT04838405, was a placebo-controlled study that included around 96 overweight or obese participants, some of whom had T2D. Participants treated with CT-388 showed a mean placebo-adjusted weight loss of 18.8% after 24 weeks. Impressively, all participants in the treatment group experienced weight loss of more than 5%, and 45% achieved a reduction of over 20% of their initial weight. Additionally, those who were pre-diabetic at the start of the trial reached normoglycemic levels by the end of the 24 weeks.

However, the treatment did come with some commonly observed side effects. Participants reported mild to moderate gastrointestinal-related issues, which are typical for incretin therapies. Roche intends to release further data from a cohort of patients with both obesity and T2D in the second half of this year.

GLP-1 therapies have garnered the nickname "wonder drugs" due to their significant success and economic impact, generating billions in sales. According to estimates by GlobalData, the market for GLP-1 receptor agonists aimed at T2D and obesity could exceed $125 billion by 2033.

Roche’s acquisition of CT-388 was part of a $2.7 billion deal to acquire Carmot Therapeutics. This move aligns with a broader trend in the pharmaceutical industry, where multiple companies are heavily investing in obesity treatments. For instance, in November 2023, AstraZeneca entered a licensing agreement with Eccogene worth up to $2 billion. This agreement focuses on developing and commercializing ECC5004, a small molecule GLP-1 agonist undergoing Phase I trials for obesity, T2D, and other related conditions.

Novo Nordisk, another major player in the field, recently formed a research partnership with Flagship Pioneering and Metaphore Biotechnologies. The collaboration aims to develop up to two next-generation therapeutics for obesity management. Novo will be responsible for conducting clinical trials, while the other two companies will handle foundational and preclinical activities.

In summary, Roche’s promising Phase Ib trial results for CT-388 underscore the ongoing competitive drive in the obesity and T2D treatment market. With substantial investments and strategic partnerships, pharmaceutical companies are racing to develop effective therapies to address these global health challenges.