Roche's oral GLP-1 drug shows promising weight loss in early trials

Roche’s shares surged close to 5% on Wednesday following the release of promising early-stage data for its oral GLP-1 receptor agonist, CT-996, aimed at individuals with obesity. The ongoing Phase I trial revealed that the once-daily small molecule contributed to a placebo-adjusted average weight loss of 6.1% within a period of four weeks.

Roche reported that the safety and tolerability of CT-996 were consistent with other oral GLP-1 receptor agonists, with no unexpected safety concerns identified. Comprehensive details of the study are set to be unveiled at an upcoming medical conference. The company suggested that CT-996 holds potential not only as a treatment for glycaemic control and weight reduction but also as an oral therapy for maintaining weight loss after an initial reduction achieved through injectable methods.

Levi Garraway, Roche’s chief medical officer, expressed satisfaction with the findings, highlighting the clinically significant weight loss observed with CT-996. He noted that this represents the second positive development from their expanding metabolic portfolio within a span of less than three months. Back in May, Roche announced that its injectable dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist, CT-388, resulted in a mean placebo-adjusted weight loss of 18.8% over 24 weeks in another Phase I trial.

These developments underscore Roche's commitment to developing innovative treatments for metabolic disorders, with a particular focus on addressing obesity and associated conditions through both oral and injectable therapies.