These drugs achieve weight loss by mimicking natural hormones called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide). Both seem to help regulate insulin release and affect satiety.The first wave of weight-loss drugs such as Novo Nordisk’s Saxenda and Wegovy work by boosting GLP-1 and Lilly’s Tirzepatide increases both his GLP-1 and GIP.
Amgen’s drug, called AMG-133, has a new twist. One part of the drug, an antibody, blocks GIP, and the remaining part, her two peptides, mimic the activity of GLP-1. The decision to block rather than enhance GIP activity was based on a deep dive into the genetics of certain people with low body mass indices, and the Thousand Oaks, Calif.-based company said it believes that the rapid growth rate seen in women. is one of the keys to successful weight loss. That little study.
In that phase 1 trial, a small number of people given the highest dose of the drug every 4 weeks lost about 14.5% of their body weight within 3 months. Since this study was primarily aimed at understanding how the drug works in humans, Amgen has yet to see a plateau in its appetite-suppressing effects, suggesting that the drug may not be affected by current obesity drugs. It leaves the possibility of meeting or exceeding the high standards set.
On the other hand, the antibody component of the drug allows it to stay in the body much longer than current treatments taken weekly. is attractive for drugs that are likely to require chronic use. We will present details of what we saw in the Phase 1 trial.
Amgen aims to begin a larger Phase 2 trial in early 2023, with the goal of understanding how well the drug works over the course of a year, said Amgen’s General Medicine, Global Clinical. said Narimon Honarpour, Vice President of Development. Other goals include seeing how AMG-133 works in a broader population, such as those with diabetes, and whether he can be administered less frequently than once a month. It involves considering how, he says, Honarpour. .
Again, the trial was very small. This is just the first step in a long road to approval (although Amgen seems to be trying to navigate as quickly as possible). As we have written before, there are some macro issues to be addressed in this area, such as questions about reimbursement for weight loss drugs and how to manage long-term use.
Still, it’s amazing to see how quickly this field is evolving. Scientists have spent decades trying to unravel the complex interplay of hormones involved in our appetite, and that research is actually beginning to lead to meaningful treatments.
Bloomberg Opinion Details:
• What is that blockbuster Alzheimer’s drug?It’s not a cure: Lisa Jarvis
• Provention’s $200,000 diabetes drug is worth it: Lisa Jarvis
• The real reason your family is sick right now: Faye Flam
This column does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners.
Lisa Jarvis is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering the biotechnology, healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. Previously, she was Editor-in-Chief of Chemical & Engineering News.
Other stories like this Bloomberg.com/opinion
