Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Meghana Keshavan
Published on 2024-02-05 14:35:11
Amgen has proposed a new approach to developing an obesity drug that could potentially revolutionize the industry. In an ongoing Phase 2 trial, the company is testing a drug candidate called MariTide, which early data suggests may offer longer-lasting weight loss effects than current obesity drugs on the market.
The key differentiator in Amgen’s development of MariTide is the company’s focus on creating a drug that patients can gradually taper off, rather than taking it at the same dose indefinitely. This marks a departure from the standard practice in the industry and could potentially lead to more sustainable weight loss outcomes for patients.
Furthermore, MariTide’s mechanism of action is unique in that it activates GLP-1 by blocking the receptors of the GIP hormone, which sets it apart from other GLP-1 agonists currently on the market. In a Phase 1 study, the drug demonstrated promising results, with patients experiencing an average weight loss of 14.5% over a period of about three months.
In other industry news, Regeneron is also positioning itself to enter the obesity market. Despite the current success of existing obesity drugs, Regeneron’s Chief Scientific Officer, George Yancopoulos, sees untapped potential in the market and aims to create a combination approach from the company’s pipeline. By combining drugs from its pipeline with existing treatments, Regeneron hopes to improve the way patients lose weight and address concerns regarding potential muscle loss associated with current treatments.
Meanwhile, the investment arm of Novo Nordisk’s parent foundation recently announced its acquisition of drug manufacturer Catalent in a $16.5 billion deal. This acquisition will offer Novo additional production sites as it continues to build up its portfolio of obesity and diabetes drugs.
On the regulatory front, a new draft bill in Congress is causing concern among investors and industry players. The bill aims to restrict U.S. involvement with certain Chinese biotech companies, including WuXi AppTec, BGI Group, and Complete Genomics, as well as prevent companies from contracting with anyone who uses their services. This move is partly aimed at protecting consumer genetic data but has led to a large-scale sell-off of shares in various biotech companies.
In related news, ARCH Venture Partners, one of the top biotech investment firms, is raising a $3 billion new fund, highlighting the continued strong interest in the industry from investors.
In conclusion, the biotech sector is experiencing significant activity, with companies and investors capitalizing on new opportunities and addressing challenges in the industry. From groundbreaking drug developments to notable acquisitions and regulatory developments, the biotech landscape continues to evolve, presenting both opportunities and risks for stakeholders.
