A groundbreaking new weight loss drug, CT-388, has demonstrated the potential to significantly outpace the fat-burning efficacy of existing treatments like Ozempic, according to early trial data released by Roche. In a Phase 1 trial, CT-388 achieved an average weight loss of 18.8 percent over a 24-week period, nearly double the 10 percent weight reduction typically seen with semaglutide-based medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy.
The study, involving 31 obese adults without type 2 diabetes, indicated that nearly half of the participants lost over 20 percent of their body weight. The drug’s effects on pre-diabetic patients were particularly notable, with all such individuals achieving remission by the end of the trial.
CT-388, administered as a once-weekly injection, operates through mechanisms similar to other drugs in its class, including Mounjaro and Zepbound, produced by Eli Lilly. It utilizes tirzepatide, which targets both GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) hormones. These hormones are known for their roles in regulating appetite and promoting satiety.
In contrast, Ozempic and Wegovy, which also mimic GLP-1, typically produce around a 10 percent weight loss after six months. Trials for CT-388 showed a substantial average weight loss of 18.8 percent over 24 weeks, with side effects similar to those of other weight-loss injections, including mild to moderate gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and vomiting.
The introduction of CT-388 has sparked a notable reaction in the stock market, with Roche’s share price rising by four percent following the announcement. This development comes at a time when the weight loss drug market is rapidly expanding, projected to reach $44 billion by 2030, up from less than $100 million in 2020. The surge in demand for weight-loss medications has led to widespread shortages, including for Zepbound and Mounjaro.
Roche’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Levi Garraway, expressed optimism about the drug’s future, highlighting its potential to set a new standard in weight loss and glucose management. However, CT-388 still faces several hurdles before reaching market approval, including additional trials to confirm its long-term efficacy and safety.
While the price of CT-388 has not yet been disclosed, current weight loss drugs like Ozempic are priced upwards of $900 per month. As pharmaceutical companies continue to race to meet the growing demand, the landscape of weight loss treatments is set for significant advancements in the near future.
