Pfizer has formally dropped plans to develop its test oral obesity medication after finding it caused liver injuries in clinical trials. The move is a major blow to the pharmaceutical giant, which had great expectations of entering the fast-expanding weight-loss treatment market.
The failed drug, danuglipron, was in mid-stage trials when it was observed to have increased levels of liver enzymes in participants — a warning sign of liver toxicity. Though the company is assuring safety is its priority, the observations led Pfizer to immediately drop the program.
In spite of this disappointment, Pfizer said it will shift resources towards earlier-stage weight loss treatments, such as next-generation candidates and combination therapies which it expects will provide safer and more effective long-term results. The company will continue to push to treat world obesity, affecting over 650 million people around the globe.
Pfizer’s action highlights the high-stakes competition and high-risk environment of the obesity drug market, where players such as Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk have led the charge with effective GLP-1 based therapies. Investors and healthcare professionals will be keenly observing Pfizer’s next step in this changing environment.
