Trial Outcomes and Market Impact
's experimental obesity drug, , showed up to 20% weight loss in patients after a year in a mid-stage trial, with those having obesity and Type 2 diabetes losing up to 17% of their weight. Despite these results, Amgen's shares fell nearly 5% as the outcomes were at the lower end of 's expectations.
The drug's novel approach, combining a monoclonal antibody with peptides, aims for quicker weight loss and potentially fewer injections compared to existing treatments like 's and 's . However, the trial's findings led to a significant drop in Amgen's stock, indicating investor disappointment.
Future Prospects and Comparisons
MariTide's Phase 2 trial results, which include no observed plateau in weight loss, suggest further potential for continued weight reduction and improvements in cardiometabolic parameters. Amgen plans to initiate a Phase 3 program, signaling confidence in MariTide's prospects despite the initial market reaction.
Comparatively, MariTide's once-a-month dosing could offer an advantage over weekly injection drugs. It targets GLP-1 receptors while inhibiting GIP, a novel mechanism that contrasts with current market leaders. This differentiation could position MariTide as a competitive option in the obesity drug market, despite the cautious investor response.