Innovent Biologics Inc.’s promising obesity drug, Mazdutide, has continued to deliver substantial weight loss results over a 48-week mid-stage study conducted in China. The trial has showcased a remarkable 18.6% average reduction in body weight, offering hope for overweight and obese individuals seeking non-surgical weight loss solutions.
Developed in collaboration with Eli Lilly & Co., Mazdutide targets two key receptors in the body, GLP-1R and GCGR, aiming to elevate energy expenditure and metabolic rates, ultimately driving significant weight loss. These findings mark a significant stride in combating two of humanity’s most pressing health concerns: diabetes and heart disease.
Initial results from the trial, reported in May, revealed that participants experienced a substantial 15% reduction in their body weight, equivalent to an average of 14.7 kilograms (32.4 pounds) after 24 weeks of treatment. Encouragingly, those who continued with a weekly 9-milligram dose for an additional 24 weeks witnessed even more significant weight loss, with a remarkable 19% reduction in body weight, averaging 17.8 kilograms.
Innovent announced that a late-stage trial for Mazdutide is slated to commence before the end of the year, further underlining the drug’s potential as a groundbreaking solution for those struggling with obesity.
The significance of medications that facilitate weight loss in overweight and obese patients without resorting to surgery has garnered global attention and financial investment from pharmaceutical companies. Beyond addressing the crucial issue of weight management, these therapies also play a pivotal role in combatting two major health epidemics – diabetes and heart disease.
As a testament to the remarkable potential of such drugs, sales of Lilly’s diabetes medication, Mounjaro, which is commonly used off-label for weight loss, are estimated to have surged to $1.26 billion in the third quarter, according to analysts’ projections.
Mazdutide, through its action on GLP-1R and GCGR receptors, has offered a glimmer of hope for those seeking effective weight loss solutions, with the latest trial results indicating potential metabolic benefits, including a reduction in liver fat. These developments reaffirm the pharmaceutical industry’s dedication to research and innovation in the pursuit of better health outcomes for people around the world.
