A new weight loss drug developed by Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche has shown promising results in early trials, potentially offering a more effective alternative to current medications like Ozempic. Early data indicates that patients taking the drug, known as CT-388, lost an average of 19 percent of their body weight over a period of five and a half months, significantly outperforming the 10 percent weight loss observed with medications like Ozempic and Wegovy.
The trial, which involved 31 obese adults without underlying conditions like type 2 diabetes, revealed that 45 percent of participants lost over 20 percent of their body weight by the 24-week mark. Importantly, the study also demonstrated that all participants experienced at least a 5 percent reduction in body weight. In comparison, drugs like semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy) typically result in an average weight loss of 10 percent after six months of treatment.
CT-388, which is administered via a once-weekly injection, works similarly to other medications in the weight loss category, including Mounjaro and Zepbound, which are made by Eli Lilly. The drug contains tirzepatide, a compound that influences two appetite-suppressing hormones—Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). These hormones help regulate appetite by inducing feelings of fullness, thus aiding in weight loss.
Dr. Levi Garraway, Roche’s Chief Medical Officer, expressed optimism about the trial results, calling them “highly encouraging” for the future of CT-388. He highlighted the potential for the drug to not only offer durable weight loss but also help control blood glucose levels, making it a promising option for both obesity and type 2 diabetes treatment.
The study also found that participants with pre-diabetes who took the drug saw their condition go into remission by the end of the trial. While the results have sparked excitement, the drug still has several trials to undergo before it can be approved for widespread use.
Side effects observed during the trial were consistent with those of other similar medications, including mild to moderate gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. These side effects are typically temporary and manageable for most patients.
The financial implications of Roche’s breakthrough were immediately apparent, as the company’s stock price jumped by 4 percent following the announcement of the positive trial results. The weight loss drug market is poised for significant growth, with industry projections estimating it will reach a value of $44 billion by 2030, up from just $100 million in 2020.
This surge in demand has led to widespread shortages of existing medications like Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound, with many patients struggling to access these drugs. Roche’s new medication, however, could offer a much-needed alternative as the pharmaceutical race to meet demand intensifies.
Though Roche has not yet disclosed a price for CT-388, Ozempic currently costs upwards of $900 per month, setting a high bar for the pricing of newer weight loss treatments. With more companies racing to release weight loss drugs, the competition is expected to drive innovation and potentially lower costs for consumers.
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