UPDATED-List of ORAL Weight loss candidates.
12/15/23 Changes:
- Added Shionogi’s S-309309 which completed Ph 1 and is now in phase 2. It is a MGAT2 (Monoacylglycerol Acyltransferase). From Shionogi’s 2022 Investor Day, it appears that Shionogi’s plan is to use this drug in combination with a GLP1 analog. In Ph1 as a stand-alone treatment, it showed a weight loss of approximately 2% after 30 days of treatment. In combination with a GLP1 analog it showed a weight loss of approximately 4% after 30 days of treatment. It is claimed to have a promising safety profile.
- Added Danuglipron QD version as a “may surprise”
- Corrected an observation in the summary - Both Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) and Structure Therapeutics (GPCR) are the only small public companies with a new possible blockbuster oral obesity drug. Both are possible buyout candidates. (Previously I only noted just VKTX which is not accurate)
Here is an updated list of ORAL weight loss drugs currently in trials listed in possible commercial success tiers:
Most Interesting NME's
Owner Drug MOA Comments
GPCR GSBR-1290 GLP1 Structure Therapeutics -Significant weight loss in 28day Phase 1 (up to 4.9%)
VKTX VK2809 GLP1/GIP In phase 1- peptide
PFE PF-06954522 GLP-1 GLP1 for Type 2 Diabetes - just entered Ph1- very little info
AZN ECC5004 GLP-1 In Phase 1- small molecule GLP1- AZN paid 185mill + up to 1.8B milestones + royalties for compound.
Kallyope K757&K833 Hormone New oral nutrient receptor agonists that stimulate the secretion of multiple appetite-suppressing satiety hormones
AMGN Not Named Undisclosed Probably oral version of AMG 133 which activates GLP1 but inhibits GIP
RHHBY CT996 GLP1 In phase 1- small molecule. From Carmot- Roche paid 2.7B for Carmot to acquire this Ph1 asset and 2 others
Shionogi S-309309 MGAT2 In phase 2. Probably will be used in combination with a GLP1. Shionogi is listed in Tokyo as (4507.T)
May surprise
LLY Orforglipron GLP1 In phase 3- No comment at last CC
NOVO Rybelsus GLP1 Semaglutide- approved for Diabetes only but used off label
TERN TERN-601 GLP1 Management discussing this drug in combination- not competitive standalone?
PFE PF-06882961 GLP1 Danuglipron QD formulation. In ph2b trial of the BID version, high rates of discontinuation & AE's caused PFE to not advance
the BID version. If QD version succeeds, it could be considered a shock rather than a surprise.
Not going forward
PFE Lotiglipron GLP1 Discontinued due to elevated liver enzymes
PFE PF-06882961 GLP1 Danuglipron BID PH2b- high rates of discontinuation (greater than 50% across all doses) & AE's (up to 73% had nausea)
Here are some observations:
- PFE is trying very hard in this arena.
- Kallyope is private but someone may buy them or strike a deal.
- Viking Therapeutics(VKTX) and Structure Therapeutics (GPCR) are the only small public companies with a NME having a potentially successful ORAL blockbuster. All other public companies are already "Big Pharma". Both are possible buyout candidates. Note that GPCR has completed phase 1 for their Oral drug but that Viking has yet to complete phase one for the oral form of VK2735. (only completed ph1 on the injectable form of VK2735)
- Structure Therapeutics (GPCR) market cap of $2.87B is primarily based on GSBR-1290 in Obesity
- Roche paid an eye opening $2.7B for Carmot Therapeutics and prevented Carmot from going public
Again, anyone with knowledge of new Oral weight loss drug candidates is encouraged to reply to this post.
