Amgen’s new weight loss drug, MariTide, has shown promising results in a phase 2 clinical trial, helping participants lose about 20% of their body weight over a year. This once-monthly injectable medication could position Amgen as a newcomer in a market currently led by Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, which offer other GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. MariTide also includes a monoclonal antibody, allowing for its less frequent administration compared to other treatments that require weekly doses.
The trial involved nearly 600 adults, divided into groups with Type 2 diabetes and those with obesity alone. MariTide participants saw significant weight loss—17% for those with diabetes and 20% for those without—compared to much lower losses in placebo groups. Beyond weight reduction, MariTide also lowered A1c levels, a key blood sugar marker, and improved heart disease risk factors.
While MariTide’s side effects mirrored those of other GLP-1 medications, mostly gastrointestinal issues, its weight loss potential seemed to not plateau at one year, suggesting further reductions with extended use. The company plans to conduct a longer Phase 3 trial.
The field of weight loss drugs is expanding, with competitors introducing alternatives that target hormones differently or aim for fewer side effects. Despite these advancements, price and accessibility remain major concerns for patients. Experts emphasize the importance of having more treatment options as obesity remains a complex health challenge, indicating that competitive pressure may also lead to lower drug prices, enhancing patient access.
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