Zealand Expands Weight-Loss Portfolio With Positive Phase Ib GLP-1 Alternative Data

Zealand Pharma recently released interim results from its Phase Ib clinical trial for petrelintide, an investigational amylin analog. The company highlighted the drug's significant weight reduction and favorable safety profile. Petrelintide, administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection, is being positioned as a competitor to the currently dominant GLP-1 receptor agonists. Zealand aims to provide better tolerability and superior weight loss with maintained lean mass.

The Phase Ib study outcomes have shown promising weight loss results, with patients experiencing an average reduction of 8.6% in body weight over 16 weeks. In contrast, the placebo group only reported a 1.7% decrease in body weight. These promising findings underscore petrelintide's potential to deliver weight loss results comparable to GLP-1 receptor agonists but with an improved patient experience, according to Chief Medical Officer David Kendall.

Petrelintide is a long-acting amylin analog, a hormone naturally produced in the pancreas and co-secreted with insulin. The hormone plays a role in regulating blood glucose levels. Regarding safety, petrelintide was well-tolerated, with no serious or severe adverse events reported. Gastrointestinal side effects were mild, except for one case of moderate nausea and vomiting that led to the patient's withdrawal after the third dose. Injection site reactions were minimal, and there was no evidence of anti-drug antibodies.

The interim data, although preliminary, offer compelling evidence of petrelintide's potential as a safe and effective treatment for overweight and obesity. Zealand Pharma plans to "rapidly progress" petrelintide into a Phase IIb clinical trial, which is expected to commence later this year. Additionally, more detailed findings from the Phase Ib study will be presented at an upcoming scientific congress.

In addition to petrelintide, Zealand Pharma's obesity pipeline includes survodutide, developed in partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim. In June 2023, survodutide demonstrated a significant 20% reduction in body weight during a Phase II study. The partners have initiated the SYNCHRONIZE clinical development program, which includes three Phase III studies launched in May 2023 to further investigate this GLP-1/glucagon receptor dual agonist.

Another promising candidate in Zealand Pharma's pipeline is dapiglutide, which targets both GLP-1 and GLP-2 receptors. In May 2024, the company reported topline results from the Phase I DREAM study, indicating modest weight loss among participants receiving the treatment.

These developments highlight Zealand Pharma's commitment to offering innovative treatments for obesity and related conditions. The company's robust pipeline and promising early-stage results position it as a significant player in the obesity treatment landscape.